Gerardo Gandara booking photo (Credit: Santa Cruz PD)
SANTA CRUZ — Police have arrested a local man who reportedly engaged in lewd acts with minors between 1978 and 2007. Allegations were brought forward by his female relatives, who stated the abuse happened at their home on Chestnut Street.
53-year-old Gerardo Garcia Gandara is now behind bars after being arrested at his home on April 4th.
Police confirmed on Monday that Gandara had been arraigned on multiple counts of lewd acts with a minor and sexual penetration of a juvenile. The abuse allegedly occurred at his home, beginning in 1978 and continuing to 2007.
The victims were between the ages of 3 and 11.
Investigators believe Gandara has additional victims in the area. Police have encouraged anyone who may know of additional victims, or the victims themselves, to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at 831-420-5820.
