May 29, 2022 - Detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Sex Crimes Unit have arrested 38-year-old Francisco Dejesus Bautista of Fresno. He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges related to child molestation. His bail has been set at $270,000. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed on the felony charges against him.

This investigation began when a family member of the victim learned of possible criminal activity and reported it to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives discovered Bautista molested two young girls. Detectives researched the suspect and found he was previously arrested in 2019 for a prior sex offense involving a child. Bautista used to serve as a youth minister at a Fresno church.

Detectives believe there is a strong possibility that Francisco Bautista may have victimized other children, but those cases were never reported.

Anyone with information about Francisco Bautista or people he potentially victimized is asked to please contact Sheriff’s Detective Jose Leon at (559) 600-8205 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Source: Fresno County Sheriff's Office