Sheriff seeks more victims in child molestation case
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is looking for more victims of an alleged child molester.
Deputies arrested 47-year-old Joshua Erik Valenzuela on Oct. 10th at his workplace, General Electric Intelligent Platforms in Goleta.
Authorities said they discovered evidence of digital homemade pornography on his computer. Some of that evidence may include images of more potential victims who appear to be minors.
In the complaint filed by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s office, Valenzuela is charged with continuous sexual abuse of a Jane Doe under the age of 14. The felony offenses are described as “substantial sexual conduct.” The criminal complaint also charges Valenzuela with five counts oral copulation of a person under 16, one count of forcible rape, one count of furnishing marijuana to a minor over 14 and all eight counts carry a special allegation.
A prosecutor told NewsChannel 3 that Valenzuela could be sentenced to a maximum 22 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Valenzuela has ties to the Buellton and Goleta communities. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s North County Criminal Investigative Division at 805-934-6170 or to leave an anonymous tip call 805-681-4171.
