Full Notification

Santa Maria Police Detectives have been conducting an ongoing investigation that has led to the arrest of a suspect. Details are as follows:

On 4/11/19 SMPD Officers were detailed to a call of a sexual assault. The victim reported she was walking to school when an adult male driving a white minivan with tinted windows lured her into his vehicle. The suspect then sexually assaulted the victim.

Through the course of the investigation, SMPD Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Jose Antonio Leon Rojas, a 50 year old resident of Santa Maria. On 4/26/19 Rojas was arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for 288 PC - Lewd Acts with a Minor.

Based upon the circumstances known to this point, SMPD Detectives believe this was an ongoing pattern of criminal conduct, and there are other unreported victims. It is important to note that Rojas recently obtained the white minivan he was driving during the commission of this crime. Therefore, there is a possibility that he was using another unknown type vehicle during prior similar incidents.

SMPD is requesting anyone with information on this case contact Det. Silver at (805) 928-3781 x 1346. Callers can also call the tip line at (805) 928-3781 x COPS (2677).

Lt. Van Meel