Teen Who Caught Babysitter Raping His Sister is a 'Brave Young Man,' DA Says

An Elk Grove teen who caught his babysitter raping his 8-year-old sister is being honored for his heoric response on Friday at the Outstanding Citizen Awards Ceremony, hosted by District Attorney Jan Scully. 

Here's the story of Santino's heroism, as told by the District Attorney's Office: 

Santino and his siblings were at home with their babysitter, Santiago Sanchez. The then 13-year-old Santino walked into a room and found Sanchez partially unclothed and on top of his 8-year-old sister. In a desperate attempt to find help for his sister, he told his other siblings to stay outside until he returned home and then rode his bike down Wilton Rd. in Elk Grove. He knocked on his neighbors’ doors in search of a phone to call 911. When no one answered, he went to a local gas station where a stranger allowed him to use his cell phone.

Elk Grove police later arrested Sanchez. Officers learned that Sanchez had engaged in lewd acts with two sisters over a period of two days prior to his arrest. When Santino testified, he underwent tremendous cross examination and scrutiny over his observations. Even though the events occurred more than a year and a half prior and despite being only 15 years old, Santino remained strong, concise and was an effective witness. 

Because the young victim never fully admitted she had been sexually assaulted, it was Santino’s testimony that led to Sanchez’s ultimate conviction. Santino is a brave young man who took matters into his own hands to protect his family. He is a hero to his sisters and family and an inspiration to many. Sanchez was convicted of multiple counts of child molestation. He was sentenced to 65 years to life in prison.