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Newman man accused of molesting kids in Ceres
molestation suspect Ceres
Victor Estrella, 24, of Newman

Victor Estrella, 24, of Newman was arrested March 18 on charges including lewd and lascivious acts with a child with force, kidnapping with the intent to sexually assault, and annoying and molesting a child under the age of 18.

Estrella’s arrest stems from an investigation which began in February when it was reported a male had groped a child in a Ceres business. It was determined that Estrella had committed similar acts at least five times to different victims within Ceres businesses. On one occasion Estrella allegedly attempted to lure the child away from the parents. Detective Julio Amador was able to obtain a vehicle description of the suspect vehicle the suspect had fled in during one of the incidents. This vehicle description was relayed to local area law enforcement.

Off-duty Ceres Police Officer Lorenzo Beltran spotted Estrella’s car near Whitmore Avenue and Morgan Road on March 18. Officer Beltran followed the vehicle until on-duty officers were able to stop it at Morgan Road and Marchy Lane.

Estrella was the passenger in the vehicle, and was positively identified as the molestation suspect. A search warrant was served at his home in Newman where several items of evidence were collected.

Anyone with information about Estrella is urged to contact Detective Julio Amador at (209) 538-5729.