Suspected Molester Arrested by Sheriff’s Detectives

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a North Santa Barbara County man suspected of sexual child abuse.

On Thursday, December 16, 2010 Sheriff’s detectives were advised of a possible child sexual abuse crime that occurred in the unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County commonly known as Tanglewood.

Sheriff’s detectives conducted an investigation and indentified the suspect as 51-year old Ernest Hernandez Madrigal (DOB 6/18/59) who they arrested on Thursday, December 30, 2010 in the 1100 block of Cook Street in the City of Santa Maria.

Madrigal was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for lewd and lascivious acts involving children (288(A) PC) and preventing and dissuading a witness or victim from testifying by threats of force (136.1(C)(1) PC) Bail was set at $100,000.

Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victim, no other details will be released. Anyone who may have information regarding this or similar crimes are encouraged to contact Sheriff’s detectives at (805) 681-4150 or the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at (805) 681-4171.