Police finally arrest child predator after 21 years in Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Ventura County Sheriff's Office released information and resolution on a 21-year case stemming in Thousand Oaks on Tuesday.

Detectives arrested Julio Alberto Anaya, 47, Severn, Maryland twice, once in Thousand Oaks in December 1999 and recently in June 2018.

In December 1999, detectives with the City of Thousand Oaks Investigations Bureau Major Crimes - Sexual Assault Unit concluded a five-month-long investigation into allegations of Anaya committing lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 years old.

During the investigation, detectives discovered Anaya had molested five different females ranging in age from 6 to 11 years old.

In December 1999, detectives arrested Anaya for lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 years old.

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and filed 15 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 years against Anaya.

Anaya was held in custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on $250,000 bail.

Anaya appeared in court for his preliminary hearing and was held to answer on five felony counts.

In April 2000, Anaya posted the $250,000 bail and was released from custody.

A month later Anaya failed to appear in court.

The Ventura County Superior Court issued a $500,000 Arrest Warrant for Anaya.

In May 2018, the Sexual Assault Unit detectives received information that Anaya had fled the country in April 2000 and returned to his native country of El Salvador.

They also received information that Anaya had returned to the United States several years ago and was now living in Maryland under a different name and date of birth.

Detectives conducted multiple database searches involving this case and was able to learn the possible whereabouts of Anaya.

In June 2018, detective contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department in Maryland and provided them with info regarding fugitive Anaya.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Team conducted surveillance on a residence in Severn, Maryland, positively identified Anaya and arrested Anaya for the Ventura County Warrant.

On June 18, 2018, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Detail flew out to Maryland and extradited Julio Anaya back to Ventura County where he was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Since June 18, 2018, Julio Anaya has remained in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office with no bail.

On November 26, 2019, Julio Anaya pled guilty to six felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child and one count of lewd or lascivious acts with a child by use of force.

On January 9, 2020, Julio Anaya was sentenced to 24 years in State Prison, ordered to pay more than $300,000 in restitution to the victims.

Anaya was ordered to register as a Sex Offender.