Police seek possible additional victims after arresting Santa Ana man on suspicion of child molestation

SANTA ANA — A 45-year-old Santa Ana man was arrested and booked Thursday on suspicion of molesting a boy for seven years and a female relative for nearly 10 years, police said.

Javier Ortiz Pichardo was arrested at his home Thursday and was being held in lieu of $1 million bail, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

Police are reopening a child annoyance case out of Costa Mesa in 2002 and another case out of Santa Ana in 2012 that were closed when authorities lacked enough evidence for charges, Bertagna said.

Pichardo, who lists his occupation as a cook in jail records, met a boy in 1999 when he was 7 years old while working at the New China restaurant in Santa Ana, which closed in 2004, Bertagna said.

The boy’s family were regulars at the restaurant, and Pichardo is accused of molesting the victim in the business’ bathroom, Bertagna said.

The suspect befriended the family and would bring them food at no cost, Bertagna said. At some point the family trusted him enough to pick the boy up from school, Bertagna said.

The alleged molestation stopped when the victim turned 14 and his family lost contact with Pichardo, Bertagna said.

Recently, the alleged victim saw Pichardo at a McDonald’s, prompting the man, who is now 26, to recall the years of alleged abuse, Bertagna said. The victim followed the suspect out of the parking lot and jotted down his license plate and called police, Bertagna said.

As police investigated they came across the cases in 2002 and 2012, Bertagna said.

Pichardo is also accused of molesting a female relative for nearly 10 years, Bertagna said.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims, a police statement said.

Anyone who may have information helpful to authorities was asked to call Detective Jessica Guidry at (714) 245-8530. Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at (855) TIP-OCCS.