Fillmore Man Held in Attacks

A 20-year-old man was arrested and jailed on suspicion of sexual battery in a series of molestations in Fillmore, authorities said.

Daniel Garibay of Fillmore is to be arraigned today in Ventura County Superior Court on two felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery in the rural town along California 126, about 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Garibay is believed responsible for at least four assaults since Sept. 1 in which women were approached from behind and fondled, sometimes as their arms were restrained, said Capt. Ron Nelson, a spokesman for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

The fourth attack came Friday evening in the 1000 block of Ortega Street. As the assailant ran away, a motorist spotted him and recognized the man.

With sketches of the assailant, three deputies fanned out around the community Monday.

“While they were out, they saw Mr. Garibay in the area of Old Telegraph Road and B Street, and they focused their attention on him because he resembled the person in the sketch,” Nelson said.

The detectives had the witness and two of the victims brought to the scene where they all positively identified Garibay. He was arrested later that afternoon.

Authorities have released Garibay’s photograph believing other alleged victims may come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (805) 524-2233.

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