Investigators are searching for more possible victims of an alleged child sex predator who worked at a family-run daycare in Santa Barbara County.
Martin Efrain Barajas, 51, was arrested in March following an investigation that began last year into a report of lewd acts with a child that occurred in 2002, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release Tuesday.
Barajas was booked on suspicion of two counts of engaging in sex acts with a minor under 10 years of age and five counts of lewd acts with a minor who is under the age of 14.
“Following the initial investigation, detectives have identified additional survivors, and they believe there is a likelihood that there could be others who have not yet sought justice,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Additional survivors would likely have contacted Barajas in the early 2000s at a daycare being run by a family member on Lowell Way in Goleta, authorities said.
A booking photo of Barajas was shared to aid survivors in identifying the suspect.
Anyone with information about additional crimes associated with Barajas was asked to contact Detective Holman by phone at 805-681-4150. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can submit information online on the Sheriff’s Office website or by calling 805-681-4171.
