Skip to content 
A California man who allegedly molested his 14-year-old daughter has been arrested in Mexico after being wanted in connection with the infant’s death, authorities said.
Mexican authorities confirmed they rescued the teenage girl, according to a press release Monday, October 5, from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, which said the FBI was also involved in rescue efforts.
“During the rescue operation, Sergio Galvez Perez was arrested after he was found in possession of narcotics,” Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said in a statement. “Mexican authorities are aware of pending charges against him in Monterey County for crimes committed against him [his daughter]. [She] safe and is currently in the care of local authorities in Mexico.”
Perez’s arrest comes after the sheriff’s office revealed the body of a newborn baby was found along Struve Road in Monterey County on August 1st.
Investigators learned that Perez’s daughter gave birth to the little girl on the road, put the baby on the ground and left. Authorities believe Perez is the father of the newborn, known as “Baby Angelita.”
The child’s death sparked an investigation for both the 14-year-old and Perez, who was accused of hiding his daughter from law enforcement.
Arrest warrants have been issued according to the sheriff’s office charging the teenager with murder and Perez with several felonies related to the child’s death.
Nieto said at a press conference on August 31 that the child’s life was “tragically taken”.
The sheriff also admitted that the teenager “was a victim of his own father’s sexual abuse”.
The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said it had not decided whether to charge the 14-year-old after an arrest warrant was issued, according to CBS News.
The district attorney’s office said on September 2, “We recognize that the 14-year-old girl is a victim of her father’s abuse.
According to authorities, Perez is charged with incest, lewd or lascivious with a child under the age of 14, unlawful acts with an unlawful sexual minor, child concealment and child endangerment.
The mother of the 14-year-old girl, Ofelia Garcia Ortegawas previously arrested on a child endangerment charge related to the investigation into the child’s death.
She was released from jail after posting bail, according to the sheriff’s office.
It was not immediately clear whether Perez or Ortega, 36, had retained legal counsel.
The sheriff’s office said a news conference will be held to discuss additional details about the rescue of the 14-year-old girl and Perez’s arrest in Mexico.
“This remains an active investigation. No additional information will be released at this time,” the agency said.
If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse, call or text the Child Helpline at 1-800-422-4453.
