California Pastor Emmanuel Marchica Arrested on Child Abuse Charges, Held on $17.5 Million Bail
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 20
California Pastor Emmanuel Marchica Arrested on Child Abuse Charges, Held on $17.5 Million Bail
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 20
Summary
Emmanuel Marchica, 51, was arrested July 10 after a Monterey County child sexual abuse investigation expanded from one reported victim to several alleged victims.
July 5 allegations of ongoing abuse prompted detectives to interview witnesses, identify additional alleged victims and serve multiple search warrants that led to his arrest.
Victim disclosures date back to at least 2012, and investigators say Marchica’s roles as a pastor, Jiu-jitsu instructor and former gym and bakery owner may have exposed him to more potential victims.
Monterey County booked Marchica on multiple felony counts, including lewd acts, sexual penetration and oral copulation involving children, and set bail at $17.5 million.
The sheriff’s office is urging additional victims or witnesses to come forward, saying delayed reporting in sexual abuse cases is common.