Santiago Flores Arrested on Multiple Sexual Assault Charges Involving Juveniles

Santiago Flores, 30, was taken into custody in Mendota on January 13 on multiple sexual-assault-related charges after Fresno Police detectives linked him to separate incidents involving juvenile girls walking to school near South Cedar Avenue. The arrest follows an investigation into at least two reported encounters in fall 2025 that raised concern among parents and school communities.

Detectives say the first reported encounter occurred in November 2025 near South Cedar Avenue and East Cesar Chavez Boulevard, when a male driver pulled up beside a female juvenile walking to school and solicited the juvenile to enter his vehicle. The juvenile declined and continued to school. During the investigation, detectives identified a related incident that occurred in September 2025 near South Cedar Avenue and East Church Avenue. In that case, the male driver solicited a juvenile to perform a sexual act; after multiple requests the juvenile entered the suspect vehicle, was driven to a nearby parking lot where numerous sex crimes occurred, and was subsequently driven to school.

Fresno Police investigators positively identified the suspect in both incidents as Santiago Flores. Police did not release additional details about the specific charges beyond describing them as multiple sexual-assault-related charges connected to the investigation. The Fresno Police Department has described the investigation as ongoing and has asked the public to assist in identifying any additional victims or witnesses who may have encountered Flores.

The arrest underscores concerns about safety on habitual walking routes to Fresno schools, particularly along South Cedar, a corridor used by students in several neighborhoods. Parents and guardians in Fresno County should review walking routes with children, reinforce stranger-safety rules, and report any suspicious encounters to law enforcement. Schools and community organizations may consider revisiting safety plans for arrival and dismissal to reduce opportunities for predatory contact on sidewalks and in nearby parking areas.

Fresno Police encourage anyone with information to contact Detective Armanino at (559) 621-2491. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867). Law enforcement has emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional calls may help identify other victims or corroborating witnesses.

For the Fresno community, the arrest brings both immediate relief and a reminder of the work ahead: ensuring safe routes for children, supporting victims with sensitivity, and maintaining cooperation across city and county jurisdictions as investigators follow leads. Officials say more information will be released as the case progresses and as investigators continue to seek community assistance.