A 67-year-old Shandon resident faces multiple felony charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 after San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's detectives investigated an unlicensed home daycare operated out of his residence.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's detectives arrested a Shandon man following an extensive investigation into serious child sexual abuse allegations centered around an unlicensed residential childcare operation.
On August 5, 2026, sheriff's detectives executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 100 block of South Fourth Street in the unincorporated community of Shandon. During the operation, law enforcement officers taken 67-year-old Javier RiveraMojica into custody without incident. RiveraMojica was subsequently booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on a no-bail warrant facing multiple felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14.
According to preliminary statements from investigators, RiveraMojica allegedly gained direct physical access to several young victims through an unlicensed home daycare facility that he operated alongside his wife from their Fourth Street residence.
Highlighting the gravity of the ongoing investigation, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office representatives issued an official statement emphasizing:
"The suspect allegedly utilized an unlicensed home childcare setting to gain access to vulnerable children. Our primary focus is ensuring the safety of all potential victims and providing their families with comprehensive advocacy and support services."
Addressing the continuing effort to identify any further affected individuals, lead detectives added:
"This remains an active and fluid investigation. We strongly encourage anyone who believes their child or someone they know had contact with the suspect under similar circumstances to contact our Detective Division immediately."
What the Evidence Shows
- Suspect & Location: Javier RiveraMojica, 67, arrested in the 100 block of South Fourth Street in Shandon, California.
- Arrest Details: Custody executed on August 5, 2026, pursuant to a no-bail arrest warrant.
- Formal Charges: Multiple felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old.
- Access Method: Alleged access to minor victims occurred through an unlicensed home daycare operated at the suspect's residence.
The charges in Shandon underscore the severe public safety risks associated with unregulated childcare operations. Unlike state-licensed facilities which must adhere to strict state regulations, mandatory criminal background checks, periodic health inspections, and adult-to-child ratio limits unlicensed home daycares operate entirely outside the safety net of government oversight.
Child safety advocates note that parents seeking affordable or flexible childcare in rural communities like eastern San Luis Obispo County often face limited options, leaving families vulnerable to informal arrangements. The incident highlights the critical necessity of verifying state licensing credentials, background clearances, and facility histories before entrusting minors to home-based care providers.
Under California law, RiveraMojica is legally presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Legal defense representatives and court observers caution that an arrest warrant reflects preliminary investigative findings rather than a final judicial conviction.
Furthermore, law enforcement officials have not publicly charged RiveraMojica's wife, nor have authorities detailed her precise awareness or involvement in the day-to-day operations of the facility. Defense advocates stress that high-profile investigations involving child welfare can generate intense community reaction, making it vital that proceedings rely strictly on admissible forensic evidence, corroborated witness testimony, and due process in court rather than public speculation.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's detectives continue to review physical evidence and seek additional witnesses or potential victims. RiveraMojica remains held without bail pending his initial court arraignment. Local victim advocacy groups and support services have been mobilized to assist the affected families throughout the legal process.