News

Released: March 20, 2012 - Tuesday, 05:00 PM

Arrest for sexual abuse of a child, mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence

Contact: Aaron Nix, CommanderPhone: (805) 781-1423Date and time of incident: 03/08/12, 03/15/12Place of Occurrence: Cambria, CAVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: Merlos, Enrique 11/02/66On 03/08/12 Detectives with the Sheriff's Office Sexual Assault Unit began investigating allegations of continuous and ongoing sexual abuse of a child and domestic violence at a residence in the Cambria area. Their investigation led to the arrest of Enrique Merlos, 45 YOA, of Cambria for numerous sex crimes involving a juvenile victim. Merlos was able to post bail that evening and detectives issued him a protective order barring him from contact with his victims.

Sheriff's Detectives continued their investigation into the domestic violence allegations, and as a result requested an arrest warrant on 03/15/12 from the District Attorney's Office for mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon to produce great bodily injury, and domestic violence causing injury. A warrant was issued and detectives quickly took Merlos into custody for the listed charges. He was again able to post bail the same evening he was arrested.

The Sheriff's Office Detective Division is continuing their investigation in this case and asks the public to contact the department with any information they have regarding the crimes levied against Merlos. They are seeking any additional witnesses in their current case or any previously unreported victims from past incidents involving Merlos. The public can contact the Sheriff's Office at their general dispatch number, (805) 781-4550, or report any information they have to Crime stoppers by phone or on-line.

A mug shot photo of Enrique Merlos has been authorized for release by Sheriff Ian Parkinson.