Man Arrested in Molestation Investigation

Source: Santa Maria Police Department

In late 2017 SMPD Detectives began an investigation into a potential crime against a child. Detectives were able to gather evidence and sought an arrest warrant for Gabriel Peralez Jr., a 43-year-old resident of Santa Maria.

On 2-19-18 Peralez was located and arrested without incident. Peralez was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on the charge of 288(b)(1) PC-Forcible lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age.

On 2-21-18, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed formal criminal charges against Peralez for;

288(b)(1) PC-Forcible lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age
136.1 PC-Witness intimidation

If you have any information related to the case, please contact the SMPD Investigations Bureau at 805-928-3781 ext 1261.