Hollister police arrested a couple running a daycare center on accusations linked to a sexual assault investigation, according to a Hollister Police Department report released Wednesday afternoon.
The following is the full statement from police:
A local husband and wife have both been arrested by the Hollister Police Department after an investigation into child sexual assaults at their day care facility.
Hollister Police investigated a report of child being inappropriately touched while attending a daycare on Howard Court in Hollister, CA. The offender was reportedly the daycare provider, Josefina Ramirez’s husband, Alberto Ramirez. While Hollister Police Detectives investigated the allegation, it was learned that there were more victims.
As a result of Hollister Police Detectives’ investigation, Alberto Ramirez was placed under arrest on July 10, 2015 and booked into San Benito County Jail for multiple counts of Lewd Acts upon a Child, attempted Lewd Acts, and Continual Sexual Abuse of a Child, totaling the bail amount to $600,000.
Hollister Police Detectives worked with Investigators from the State of California’s Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division and obtain a suspension of the day care facility’s license. During the investigation, Detectives learned that Josefina Ramirez had not complied with required child care licensing regulations. Josefina Ramirez was arrested on July 14, 2015 and booked into County Jail as an Accessory.
This daycare has been in operation in Hollister since 1995. Several of the victims were children of undocumented residents. Police believe targeting of victims who are undocumented may be a tactic to avoid detection because people who are undocumented may be less likely to seek assistance from police. The Hollister Police Department investigates criminal offenses against any of its community members regardless of immigration status. If there are other victims, they are urged to contact the Hollister Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to call Hollsiter Police Detectives at 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
