A man has been taken into custody after deputies reported that he allegedly inappropriately touched a child at a thrift store in Sacramento County while her mother was trying on clothes earlier this year.
Authorities launched an investigation in May after a woman reported that her 8-year-old daughter had been sexually assaulted at a thrift store. Authorities reported that the girl informed them a man had exposed himself and inappropriately touched her while she was playing dress up at the thrift store.
The individual fled the store, but the establishment shared surveillance footage with deputies, who were unable to determine his identity. The matter was subsequently referred to the Child Abuse Bureau.
On September 27, the store reached out to the Child Abuse Bureau, sharing additional footage of the same individual approaching a woman and briefly placing his phone under her dress while she browsed items on a shelf.
Deputies have now identified the suspect as 38-year-old Cesar Ponce.
Days later, store security contacted the Child Abuse Bureau again, providing footage of Ponce engaging in inappropriate behavior in the toy section while a girl played nearby with her mother shopping, according to deputies.
The Child Abuse Bureau faced challenges in finding Ponce. On Thursday evening, deputies reported that Ponce returned to the same store, prompting their response and subsequent arrest of Ponce.
A man has been arrested for inappropriate behavior involving a child under 14 and for molesting a child under 18.
Officials suspect additional victims could be involved in this situation. If you believe you or your children have been affected by Ponce, please reach out to the Sheriff’s Office.