“Most Wanted” Publicity Brings in Fugitive
April 25 – Carpinteria
Ramon Gonzalez Ceja turned himself in after being wanted for 14 years
Fourteen years ago, Ramon Gonzalez Ceja, who was 32 years old at the time, was arrested pursuant to an investigation in Carpinteria and was charged with rape, burglary, and domestic violence. He posted bond on a bail of $150,000, and shortly thereafter failed to attend a required court appearance.
According to Drew Sugars, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Public Information Officer, “there was evidence that he fled to Alabama” where he is reported to have found work as an auto mechanic. He remained a fugitive ever since, but with family in Santa Barbara, SBSD Felony Fugitive Unit detectives had posted him as a “Top Ten Most Wanted” and had sought help from the public to locate him and “bring him to justice”, Sugars reported.
Ceja in 1998 when he was originally arrested
With Ceja’s description and photograph posted on the SBSD website for the past several years, information indicating that he had indeed returned to the area led to heightened interest in his apprehension. On April 24th, Ceja himself—now 45 years old—appeared at the Santa Barbara County Jail and voluntarily surrendered.
Ceja is currently held at Santa Barbara County Jail on a no bail warrant.
Photos: courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
Read more:
Noozhawk: Carpinteria Rape Suspect in Custody After 14 Years on Run
edhat: Top Ten Fugitive in Custody
KCOY: Manhunt Monday Suspect Arrested After Being on the Run for Over a Decade
