Scotts Valley Man Arrested for Child Molestation

A Scotts Valley man has been arrested for engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department.

David Escobar, 42, was arrested on March 21 by SCPD for child molestation.

According to police, Escobar sent nearly 3,800 text messages to the Santa Cruz girl in one month and also communicated with her through Facebook and gaming networks. The SCPD said it also appears that Escobar arranged to meet the girl at her school during lunch on several occasions and would have sex with her in his car.

Police first became aware of the situation in late February when they received a tip from one of the girl’s parents about possible inappropriate contact between the two. The parent said that Escobar was communicating with the girl through Facebook and text messages in a sexual nature.

Detectives went to Escobar’s place of work on March 21 to interview him and based on his statements, along with information obtained through Facebook and text messages, arrested him for lewd acts with a minor, contacting a minor with intent to have sex, sending inappropriate images to a minor, and other charges.

Police are trying to determine if there are other victims or not, and investigators are asking that anyone with information contact Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations at 831-420-5820 or leave a tip via the iPhone app or on the department’s website at www.santacruzpolice.com.