Morgan Hill Police Arrest Suspect in Child Sexual Assault Investigation
Morgan Hill, CA – On February 12, 2026, Morgan Hill Police Officers responded to a report that a 12-year-old female had been sexually assaulted by a 21-year-old male. During the investigation, officers learned the victim had been communicating with the suspect through Snapchat prior to the incident.
Detectives determined the suspect arranged to meet the victim and subsequently picked her up from her residence in Morgan Hill. Through investigative efforts, officers identified the suspect as Alexis Javier Mendez-Gallardo of Freedom, Ca.
On March 4, 2026, Morgan Hill Police Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Mendez-Gallardo and coordinated with the Watsonville Police Department. Later that day, Watsonville Police officers located and arrested Mendez-Gallardo. He was subsequently booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on the following charges including, rape of a child under 14, oral copulation of a child under 14, sexual penetration of a child under 14, lewd or lascivious acts with a minor and arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purpose.
The Morgan Hill Police Department reminds parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity and to speak with them about the potential dangers of communicating with unknown individuals through social media platforms.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Sean Bayard at (408) 607-3032 or via email at [email protected].
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the following link:
https://www.morganhill.ca.gov/FormCenter/Police-14/Morgan-Hill-Crime-Stoppers-88
or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.
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