California authorities say they have found a vehicle tied to a wanted man as the search intensifies for him and his 14-year-old daughter, whom investigators allege he sexually abused and impregnated.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that deputies searching along the central California coast located a white Nissan Altima with no license plates believed to be connected to 38-year-old Sergio Galvez Perez.
Investigators believe Perez was driving the car when he allegedly abandoned the newborn child he had with his teenage daughter on the side of a road.
The infant, whom authorities have referred to as “Baby Angelita,” was discovered on August 1 in the 100 block of Struve Road in north Monterey County. A post-mortem forensic examination later found signs of traumatic injury, officials said.
Perez and his daughter, Diana Galvez Ortega, were last seen on August 4. Over Labor Day weekend, authorities issued an Amber Alert for the teenager, accusing Perez of hiding her from law enforcement.
Perez is wanted on suspicion of incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment and child endangerment.
“These allegations are extremely serious and are an important part of why locating Diana and ensuring her safety and well-being remain a priority,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Officials had previously said a warrant had been issued for the teenager’s arrest on suspicion of murder. However, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said last week that no decision has been made on whether charges will be filed.
‘We recognize that the 14-year-old is a victim of her father’s abuse. No child should ever have to endure such horrific circumstances,’ the District Attorney’s Office said on September 2, noting: ‘The responsibility for getting a child to safety does not rest on the child.’
Sergio Galvez Perez, 38, is wanted on the suspicion of incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child younger than 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment and child endangerment, according to a Monterey County Sheriff’s Office press release
An Amber Alert has been issued for his 14-year-old daughter Diana Galvez Ortega, as police accuse Perez of concealing her from the authorities
‘Our priority is to ensure that this young girl is safe and has access to the support and services she needs,’ it continued. ‘If she is located, our District Attorney victim advocates and partner agencies are ready to assist her, connect her with resources and help ensure that she has the support she needs.’
Sheriff Tina Nieto also urged Perez to turn himself in at a news conference on Monday.
‘We need Sergio Galvez Perez to stop hiding and face the charges against him,’ she said.
Authorities have previously arrested the mother of the 14-year-old, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, 36, a resident of Castroville/Salinas, on suspicion of child endangerment. Ortega has been released from the Monterey County Jail on bail and prosecutors are now reviewing the potential charges against her.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office public information commander, Andres Rosas, told Our News Outlet that information on whether Ortega has denied her involvement or knowledge of the case cannot be released due to the ‘ongoing investigation.’
But the charges against Ortega are not connected to the infant’s death or the alleged abuse of her daughter, according to CNN.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto urged Perez to turn himself in at a news conference
Perez is confirmed to be the biological father of the 14-year-old girl whom he allegedly got pregnant. He is also suspected of concealing the teenager to prevent authorities from finding her, according to the Sheriff’s Office press release
As authorities now continue to search for Perez and his daughter, they have used controversial Flock cameras – which Nieto said made ‘good police work more effective.’
Within 53 hours, investigators were able to obtain information identifying the involved suspects and track a vehicle of interest, she noted.
The sheriff’s office has also received hundreds of calls, emails and messages related to the case since the Amber Alert was issued over the weekend.
Officials said they are grateful to the community members who have shared information and remained vigilant, but said they cannot release certain details without potentially jeopardizing the investigation and efforts to locate Ortega.
In the meantime, authorities ask the community to remain on the lookout for Perez and Ortega. They have described Perez as 5-foot-5-inches tall, weighing roughly 170 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, while Ortega is described as 4-foot-10-inches tall, weighing 100 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
However, the sheriff’s office said, anybody who sees Perez or Ortega should not approach them and should instead call 911 immediately.
