Man arrested for two sexual assaults in Santa Maria

Santa Maria Police arrested a man suspected in two sexual assaults.

Detectives say they had limited leads to follow after the first incident happened on November 16th.

Another sexual assault was reported on December 2nd.

Police say the second incident’s circumstances were similar to the first sexual assault.

Officers got enough evidence from the second crime to identify a suspect and link the two investigations.

Police arrested 21-year-old Christian Jesus Ponce in Santa Maria Thursday.

He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple sexual assault charges.

Ponce’s bail was set at $200,000.

Detectives say there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Detective Bureau at (805) 928-3781 x1361 or leave an anonymous tip at (805) 928-3781 x2677.