Saul Estrada Munoz Arrested for Alleged March 2025 Sexual Assault of Carpinteria Child

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – Saul Estrada Munoz of Santa Barbara was arrested in connection with an alleged 2025 sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Carpinteria Monday.

In March of last year, a 14-year-old girl reported that she was walking home when an unknown man approached her and allegedly sexually assaulted her at knifepoint in a landscaped area along the bike path near Casitas Pass Road at Via Real stated the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office in a press release Tuesday.

Detectives began investigating the report and collected forensic evidence that was then submitted for DNA analysis noted the local law enforcement agency.

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, evidence and investigative follow-up led to a Ramey warrant for the arrest of 27-year-old Saul Estrada Munoz of Santa Barbara on suspicion of forcible rape, kidnapping to commit rape, and making criminal threats.

On Monday, Sep. 21, 2026, around 1:23 p.m., Estrada Munoz was arrested in the 300 block of West Arrellaga Street in Santa Barbara with the assistance of local police detailed the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

The 27-year-old was booked at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail and is being held on a $1 million bail shared the local law enforcement agency.

The investigation into the allegations remains ongoing and detectives request that anyone with more information contact them at 805-681-4150.