Oxnard Man Pleads Guilty to Molesting Two Young Girls

On November 5, 2019, Gregorio Santacruz (DOB 3/12/79), of Oxnard, pled guilty to three counts of lewd conduct with a child under 14 years old and one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. 

In January 2016, a 14-year-old female disclosed to her middle school teacher that Santacruz had molested her on multiple occasions between the ages of 9 and 12 years old.  The victim related that Santacruz had kissed her, repeatedly touched her breasts, and on one occasion dragged her into a bedroom before laying on top of her.  After the victim’s disclosure, school officials notified the Oxnard Police Department, who began interviewing witnesses and searching for additional victims.  During their investigation, detectives identified a second victim who told detectives Santacruz repeatedly molested her in a similar manner to the first victim between the ages of 6 and 12 years old.  As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested Santacruz in late January 2016 and formal charges were filed.     

Sentencing is scheduled January 8, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. It is expected that Santacruz will be sentenced to 22 years in state prison.  This case was investigated by the Oxnard Police Department and prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Sexual Assault and Family Protection Unit.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.  Follow the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice

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