HOLLISTER, Calif., July 21 (San Francisco News Online) — Monterey County sheriff’s detectives arrested Emmanuel Marchica, 51, of Hollister, on July 10 in California on allegations of child sexual abuse after an investigation that began five days earlier, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators said deputies first received a report on July 5 alleging ongoing sexual abuse of a child. Detectives later interviewed witnesses and said the case expanded beyond a single complainant.
The sheriff’s office said disclosures from victims date back to at least 2012 and that investigators believe there may be additional victims and witnesses. Marchica was booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple felony charges, including lewd or lascivious acts with a child, sexual penetration of a child, oral copulation with a child, and annoying or molesting a child.
Authorities said Marchica was serving as a pastor at a community gathering center in the Hidden Valley community of San Benito County when he was arrested. They did not identify the congregation or organization.
Investigators also said Marchica previously owned bakery businesses in Prunedale and Monterey and gyms in Sand City, Seaside and Prunedale, and that his work in physical therapy, massage therapy and jiu-jitsu instruction may have brought him into contact with other potential victims.
The sheriff’s office said his bail was set at $17.5 million.
Detective Janelli Arroyo and Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy are listed as contacts for anyone with information or anyone who believes they may have been victimized.
