Hollister, California – Emmanuel Marchica, 51, a pastor and Jiu-jitsu instructor, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts related to child sexual abuse. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest on July 10, following an investigation that began on July 5 after deputies received a report of ongoing child sexual abuse.
Detectives have identified several alleged victims and believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. Disclosures from victims indicate that the alleged abuse dates back to at least 2012. The investigation expanded rapidly after initial interviews and the execution of multiple search warrants, which ultimately led to Marchica's arrest.
At the time of his arrest, Marchica was reportedly serving as a pastor and leading religious services at a community gathering center in the Hidden Valley community of San Benito County. Authorities have not identified the specific congregation or organization.
Marchica also has extensive ties to the community through his previous business ventures. He formerly owned bakeries in Prunedale and Monterey, and operated gyms in Sand City, Seaside, and Prunedale. At these gyms, he offered services including physical therapy, massage therapy, and Jiu-jitsu instruction. Investigators suggest these past community connections may have placed him in contact with additional potential victims over the years.
Marchica was booked into the Monterey County Jail. The charges against him include lewd or lascivious acts with a child, sexual penetration of a child, oral copulation with a child, and annoying or molesting a child. His bail has been set at $17.5 million.
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone who may have been a victim of Marchica or has information that could aid the investigation to contact detectives. The office stated that victims of sexual abuse often delay reporting for many years, and that any reports will be handled with dignity, compassion, and respect.