On Saturday, February 21, 2026, patrol officers contacted Jose Luis Diaz, a 63-year-old Santa Maria resident who had an outstanding arrest warrant related to lewd acts with a child. As a result of an active investigation, Santa Maria Police Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Diaz. He was subsequently located by patrol officers and taken into custody without incident.
During the course of the investigation, detectives determined Diaz had victimized more than one child and believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Diaz was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of Penal Code 288.5, ongoing sexual abuse of a child under 14 years of age, and Penal Code 288(a), lewd acts with a child under 14 years of age. Bail has been set at $350,000.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Alvarez at (805) 928-3781 Ext 2453.
Prepared by: Lieutenant Andy Magallon
