Peninsula Child Molestation Suspect Arrested

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A Peninsula child molestation suspect was arrested Thursday, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Jose Alejandro Ventura, 54 of East Palo Alto, was arrested on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a minor under 14 years old and kidnapping with the intent to commit a lewd act, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was booked into the Maguire Correctional facility.

Ventura was arrested in connection with alleged incidents over a three-year period from January 2015 to January 2018, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The case was reported to authorities earlier this month.

The alleged assaults occurred at multiple San Mateo County locations.

Detectives determined Ventura would commit these acts within a locked vehicle where the victim could not escape.

“Due to Ventura facing multiple allegations of sexual assault, there is concern for additional unknown victims who have not come forward yet,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact Detective C. Barker (650)363-4050 / cbarker@smcgov.org) or Detective R. Cousenes (650) 363-4066 / rcousenes@smcgov.org).

Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling (800) 547-2700.