A 46-year-old Gilroy, California man has been arrested on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Police are investigating allegations that Antonio Garcia sexually assaulted four of his own relatives, two of which were assaulted fifteen years ago and the other two within the last two years.
The investigation was prompted by revelations that Gilroy assaulted a 5-year-old boy. The other three relatives came forward to law enforcement authorities after they learned about the initial investigation of sexual assault on the 5 year old boy. All of the known victims were male and prepubescent at the time the alleged crimes occurred
Detectives suspect Garcia became involved with the boys as a coach for activities including baseball pitching and bowling, police said. Detectives have learned that the 46-year-old helped coach the Gilroy Little League team, served as a bowling coach, and volunteered with Boy Scouts of America in Gilroy, according to police. He also served as a private baseball pitching coach.
“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,” Sergeant Royce Heath said in a press release.
Our experience in dealing with sexual abuse cases tells us that there are undoubtedly more victims. There is no reason to believe that Garcia began sexually assaulting young boys fifteen years ago, stopped for a period of time, and then resumed the sexual abuse just a few years ago.
The Gilroy Little League or the Boy Scouts of America have made no comments about the arrest. It is not known at this time if Antonio Garcia has a prior criminal record.
Law enforcement authorities suspect that Gilory may have sexually assaulted other boys and are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information about these cases or information about Antonio Garcia are asked to call Detective Jenkins at (408) 846-0350.