Man Connected to Santa Maria Daycare Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse, Detectives Seek Additional Survivors

Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Santa Maria man on multiple felony charges related to the sexual abuse of children and are urging any additional survivors to come forward.

Detectives began investigating 79-year-old Ernest James Lattimer in 2019 when survivors came forward to report sexual abuse that occurred at an in-home childcare facility in the 800 block of Emerald Way in Santa Maria. Lattimer’s spouse ran the daycare where he perpetrated these crimes.

Through their investigation, detectives have identified several survivors of sexual abuse that occurred from 1995-2012.

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, detectives served a search warrant and arrest warrant at Lattimer’s current residence in the 3900-block of Chatham Way in Santa Maria. Lattimer was arrested and booked at the Northern Branch Jail for felonies including four counts of sex acts with a minor under 10 years of age, three counts of oral copulation with a victim under 10 years of age, and 10 counts lewd acts with a child under 10 years of age by force.

He is being held on $1,000,000 bail. Detectives do not believe Lattimer’s spouse was criminally involved.

Sheriff’s detectives believe there may be additional survivors who have not come forward and they are encouraging anyone with information to contact Detective M. Sosa at (805) 934-6170. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip or by calling (805) 681-4171.

The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to thoroughly investigating these cases and ensuring survivors are supported throughout the criminal justice process. Detectives work closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office and the Victim-Witness Assistance Program to make sure survivor needs remain a priority alongside the investigation and prosecution.

Victim Advocates are available to provide support, information, and resources. Survivors may contact the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at (805) 568-2400 or toll-free at (855) 840-3232.

Confidential support is also available through the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. An advocate is available 24 hours a day at (805) 736-7273.

District Attorney Files Charges Against Santa Maria Man for Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Claims

By the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced today that Ernest James Lattimer, of Santa Maria, California, was arraigned on the felony complaint filed on January 20, 2026, in front of The Honorable Judge McGregor in Santa Maria Department 9.

Mr. Lattimer entered pleas of not guilty to four charges of sexual intercourse with a child 10 and under, three charges of sexual penetration with a child 10 and under, and ten charges of lewd and lascivious acts using force or fear upon a child under the age of 14. In addition, he denied all special allegations including there were multiple victims under the age of 14 years old. Mr. Lattimer and his wife ran an in-home day care from approximately 1998-2013 near Righetti High School.

The case was assigned to Department 7 of the Superior Court in Santa Maria for all purposes. The next court date will be January 26, 2026, for bail review and pre preliminary hearing, a preliminary hearing was set for February 3, 2025.

Mr. Lattimer remains in custody with bail set at $1,000,000. Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective M. Sosa at (805) 934-6170.