Goleta Man Arrested for Child Molestation

Suspected Abuse Occured Over a Four Year Period

Goleta - February 2nd, 2010

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested a Goleta man accused of molesting his victim over several years.

On Tuesday, January 26, 2010 a 17-year old girl and her father reported to the Sheriff’s Department that the girl had been molested when she was a young girl.

During the interview Detectives learned that beginning in 2000, when the victim was seven years old, she would be taken to the suspect’s home to be cared for during the weekend. It was during her visits that the abuse began and continued for four years.

Detectives immediately began an investigation which included interviewing the suspect, John Owen (DOB 1/19/47). During a search of Owen’s residence Detectives discovered graphic photos of the victim during the period of the suspected abuse.

On Friday, January 29, 2010 Owen was arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on several charges including the continued sexual abuse of a child under 14 (288.5(a) PC) and possession of child pornography (311.3(b)(5) PC). His bail was set at $100,000 which he has since posted.

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