By F. Scott Faulkner
Santa Barbara County, CA – Adam Escarcega, 34, of Santa Barbara, was arrested on the afternoon of March 17 in the city
of Goleta on felony charges of soliciting lewd acts with a minor.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody following an investigation prompted by a Southern
California citizen group that conducts sting operations against suspected online predators.
Sheriff’s detectives received a report from the group, which alleged that Escarcega had been
communicating online with an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old.
The report included messages where Escarcega reportedly suggested meeting in person. Detectives reviewed the evidence,
conducted their own investigation, and arrested him in a shopping center parking lot.
“After receiving the report and conducting our own investigation, deputies took Escarcega into
custody without incident,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Public Information
Officer Raquel Zick. “We take these types of allegations very seriously and will continue to
investigate.”
Escarcega is employed as a teaching assistant at Adams Elementary School and has been placed
on administrative leave pending the investigation, according to Santa Barbara Unified School
District spokesperson Sandra Trujillo.
He also works as a ramp supervisor at Santa Barbara Airport and as a stage manager for Santa Barbara City College productions.
Escarcega remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail with his bail set at $75,000.
Photo: Courtesy of Santa Barbara Unified School District
