Photo: Jared Ekola
January 23, 2021 – Santa Barbara, Ca.
According to Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Raquel Zick, on January 5, 2021, SBSD detectives were made aware of “alleged sexual abuse” perpetrated by 32-year-old Jared Ekola between 2013 and 2020 at a “care home” in the Goleta area.
With evidence clearly ranking high on the scale of perversion, detectives suspected that Ekola had forced himself upon a pair of “vulnerable residents” of that facility and of another resident at a home in the City of Santa Barbara.
“Ekola allegedly engaged in sex acts with the victims,” Zick reported, adding that these victims “were unable to consent, protect themselves or report the abuse” due to their levels of physical and mental incapacity.
Once detectives had sufficient witness reports and other evidence gathered during their three- week investigation, a search warrant for Ekola’s home was obtained and served upon him and his residence on January 20th .
Evidence gathered at that time indicated that Ekola’s contact with the reported victims was beyond the pale of appropriate or legal behavior. He was summarily taken into custody and transported to Santa Barbara County Jail.
Ekola remains in custody on a no-bail hold, charged with felony elder abuse, rape, and “other unlawful sexual acts.”
Photo: Courtesy of Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
