Ventura – Proving once again that while the wheels of justice may at times turn slowly, they do indeed turn, Jose Morales, a 55-year-old Ventura resident was arrested on August 4th, charged with child sexual abuse that is alleged to have occurred in December 2014.
According to the Ventura Police Department’s Watch Commander media report, it was on December 7, 2014 when a six year-old boy hailed a passing black-and-white patrol car and informed the officer at the wheel that Morales, known to him as “Don Pepe” drove past the boy’s front yard where he was playing and “took him into another residence where the assault occurred.” A law enforcement investigation into the child’s allegations quickly ensued that led to the identification of Morales as the prime suspect in the case.
After forensic collection of evidence and eight months of “extensive laboratory testing,” and processing of all evidence in hand, it was determined that the victim’s statement now had empirical validation, and a warrant was issued for Morales’ arrest.
Ventura Police Detectives made contact with Morales on a downtown Ventura street on August 4th and took him into custody without incident. He was then transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on charges of oral copulation of a child under 10, and kidnapping for the purpose of sexual assault. Because of the potential for further victims of Morales, the Ventura Police Department is soliciting any information from members of the public with any information germane to this ongoing investigation, who should contact VPD Detective Edwards at (805)339-4328.
Photo: Courtesy Ventura County Jail Booking
