Crime & Safety

Parks Staff Who Worked With Youth Charged With Teen Sex Assault

Matthew Antonio Jimenez had daily contact with youth through his city Parks and Community Services Division job.

Matthew Antonio Jimenez is arrested Tuesday morning.
Matthew Antonio Jimenez is arrested Tuesday morning. (Watsonville Police Department)

WATSONVILLE, CA β€” A man who had daily contact with youth in his role as a Watsonville Parks and Community Services Division employee is charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy, the Watsonville Police Department said. Matthew Antonio Jimenez, 23, was booked into jail Tuesday and faces two felony charges related to sexually assaulting a minor and a misdemeanor charge relating to molesting a minor, county jail records show.

The incident occurred more than a year ago, police say. Police said they received a report of sexual assault allegations involving Jimenez last week and began investigating.

Police said they soon tracked down the teen, who confirmed the report. Jimenez was arrested Tuesday morning and remained in custody as of late Wednesday morning.

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Jimenez joined the parks department in 2015. Jimenez and the teen are believed to have met through a mutual friend, police say.

Police said they do not know if there are other victims, but anyone with information about Jimenez are encouraged to call Detective Rudy Lopez at 831-768-3357.

Find out what's happening in Watsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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