ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE from Gilroy Police:
Gilroy Police Officers from the patrol division initiated an investigation of the sexual molestation of a five year old child. The case was referred to the Gilroy Police Department’s detective bureau for follow-up investigation due to the nature and complexity of the case.
During the course of their investigation, detectives learned of additional victims and other incidents of sexual molestation committed by the suspect. Detectives conducted interviews, obtained evidence and presented their investigation to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for review. Based on the investigation an arrest warrant was issued for Antonio Garcia, charging multiple counts of Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. On today’s date, Garcia was contacted and arrested without incident. Garcia was transported to the Santa Clara County Jail, where he was booked on the warrant.
Although an arrest was made in this case, this investigation is still open and on-going. The investigation revealed allegations spanning back over the past 15 years and investigators believe there may be more victims that are yet to be identified and interviewed.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
At this point in the investigation, Detectives have identified 4 sexual assault and molestation victims associated to this case. All of the victims are extended family members of Antonio Garcia. The known victims were/are all prepubescent males at the time the crimes occurred. Two of the known victims were victimized approximately 15 years ago and the other 2 were victimized within the past 2 years. The investigation began with the identification of one victim; however as the word of the investigation spread, other victims came forward.
Although the victims in this case are relatives, Garcia’s access to the victims came through his involvement in a variety of coaching activities. So far it has been determined that Garcia was a private baseball pitching coach and a bowling coach. Detectives also confirmed that he assisted in coaching Gilroy Little League and had some involvement as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America (Gilroy).
The warrant on which Garcia was arrested alleged 2 counts each of the following charges:
PC 288 (a), Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor
PC 269, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
At this time the investigation is open and on-going and additional charges may be considered as the case progresses. We believe that there may be other victims of Garcia’s sexual assaults and molestations and we encourage anyone that may have information about this case or other potential victims to call Detective Jenkins at 408-846-0350.
