child abuse Archives - Local News Matters

A law enforcement officer detains a person in a parking lot near a black Ford truck, with an inset photo showing the detained individual.

Crime & Public Safety

Registered sex offender arrested after alleged lewd act with child at Santa Rosa shopping center

by Katy St. Clair, Bay City News August 28, 2026August 28, 2026

A Santa Rosa registered sex offender was arrested on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child, police said Friday. Darren Petricka, 58, was taken into custody on Wednesday after an investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department. Last weekend, detectives were told that a young teen had been touched inappropriately by an unknown […]

The Monterey County Superior Court and the Monterey County District Attorney's Office are located at 1200 Aguajito Road in Monterey. (Google Maps via Bay City News)

Crime & Public Safety

Man convicted of sexually assaulting 5 children sentenced to 225 years to life in Monterey County

by Nicole Tingson, Bay City News August 15, 2026August 15, 2026

A person with short dark hair and a salt-and-pepper beard is wearing an orange shirt against a plain gray background.

Crime & Public Safety

Coach arrested for alleged sex with former student in Half Moon Bay

by Pete Young, Bay City News August 14, 2026August 14, 2026

A digital sign at Matthew Turner Elementary School announces TK/Kinder orientation events for Monday, August 17, with Kinder at 2:00 and TK at 2:30.

Crime & Public Safety

Benicia Unified reassigns teacher married to man accused of child sex abuse

by Griffin Jones, Bay City News August 14, 2026August 14, 2026

A modern courthouse building with large glass windows and stone columns, flanked by trees under a clear blue sky.

Crime & Public Safety

Former San Quentin guard sentenced to life for child sex assault

by Griffin Jones, Bay City News August 8, 2026August 8, 2026

Crime & Public Safety

Alameda County settles with family of 8-year-old killed in child abuse case

by Kayla Chan, Bay City News August 6, 2026August 6, 2026

Crime & Public Safety

Child’s attorney: San Joaquin County lawyers ‘playing games’ to stall abuse lawsuit

Former Contra Costa juvenile hall therapist charged with sexually abusing ex-client

by Kiley Russell and Katy St. Clair, Bay City News July 28, 2026July 27, 2026

The Monterey County Superior Court and the Monterey County District Attorney's Office are located at 1200 Aguajito Road in Monterey. (Google Maps via Bay City News)

Crime & Public Safety

Convicted of 16 child molestation counts, Monterey man faces up to 225 years to life in prison

by Pete Young, Bay City News July 24, 2026July 24, 2026

The exterior of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office building features a prominent sign with raised lettering and a sheriff's star emblem.

Monterey sheriff probes child sex abuse after pastor’s arrest

by Pete Young, Bay City News July 18, 2026July 18, 2026

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