Man arrested in Salinas charged with child molestation

A man is behind bars charged with child molestation in Salinas.

According to Salinas Police, officers were called to a home on Meadow Drive on August 8th for a report of a family member possibly taking pictures of a five-year-old girl.

The little girl’s mother reported the incident to police. Salinas Police then forwarded the report to the Investigations Bureau.

Detectives later served a search warrant at the suspect residence.

46-year-old Alfredo Ramirez was then arrested.

Police said electronic search warrants for the suspect’s phone revealed evidence consistent with the allegations by the victim.

Police said although it isn’t a crime, they also found hundreds of images of young girls in public places on his phone. The girls were not aware their picture was being taken. The images were of girls between 8 to 17-years-old in bathing suits and tight clothing.

Ramirez was booked into the Monterey County Jail for child molestation, possession of obscene matter depicting a child and sexual exploitation of a child. His bail has been set at $3.5 million.

Investigators believe there could be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7127. You can also remain anonymous and call the Tip Line at (831) 775-4222 or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78-CRIME.