Molester of 6 year old boy arrested: Ventura PD seek additional victims

diagnosis arial, discount sans-serif;”>On  December 7th, 2014,  Ventura Police Dispatch received a report of lewd conduct with a child that occurred in the 800 Block of North Ventura Avenue. A juvenile victim  under six years of age, reported to a patrol officer that a man who was known to the victim and his family had sexually assaulted him. The victim was playing outside his house when the suspect picked him up and took him into another residence, where the assault occurred. The suspect was known to the victim as, “Don Pepe.”

Ventura Police detectives began a follow up investigation and identified the suspect as 55 year old Ventura resident Jose Morales. Detectives also collected evidence that required extensive laboratory testing. Once the evidence was fully processed, the results further supported the victim’s statement.

On Tuesday, August 4th 2015, Jose Morales was arrested by Ventura Police Detectives in the 200 Block of E, Main St. and booked at the Ventura County Jail for 288.7(b), Oral Copulation of a child under 10 and 209(b)(1), Kidnapping for the purpose of sexual assault.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing and the Ventura Police Department is seeking to identify other potential victims in this case. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Jose Morales should contact Det. Edwards of the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4328.

Jose Morales

Ventura Police Department