Gardner Arrested for Multiple Sexual Battery Incidents, Additional Victims Sought

In a recent development, detectives from the Sex Crimes unit have apprehended a suspect linked to multiple sexual battery cases and are urging potential additional victims to come forward.

The individual in custody has been identified as Meliton Santoyo Jaramillo, a 38-year-old resident of Norwalk. Investigators believe Jaramillo is responsible for a series of disturbing incidents:

August 2023: Bellflower Boulevard and Wardlow Road – Sexual battery against an elderly female victim

August 2023: Bellflower Boulevard and Wardlow Road – Sexual battery against a second elderly female victim

February 22, 2024: Bellflower Boulevard and Wardlow Road – Sexual battery against a female adult victim

Remarkably, detectives found a common thread connecting the perpetrator to each case: Jaramillo was employed as a gardener for the victims involved. After meticulous investigation, the case was brought before the City Prosecutor’s Office, resulting in the issuance of an arrest warrant. Acting swiftly, detectives from the Special Investigations Detail apprehended Jaramillo on April 8, 2024, in the City of La Mirada.

He was subsequently transported to the Long Beach City Jail and booked on three counts of sexual battery, with bail set at No Bail.

Despite the arrest, detectives fear there may be additional unreported incidents. To aid in their ongoing investigation, they are urging anyone who may have been victimized to contact the Sex Crimes Detail at (562) 570-7368.Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), utilizing the “P3 Tips” app available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.