A Central Coast pastor who ministered to congregants from Hollister to Monterey County is now behind bars on a stack of child sexual abuse charges, and investigators say they are actively looking for more possible victims.
According to CBS San Francisco, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office first received allegations last Sunday. After conducting interviews and serving search warrants, deputies arrested 51-year-old Emmanuel Marchica of Hollister last Friday. He was booked into the Monterey County Jail on counts that include lewd or lascivious acts with a child, sexual penetration of a child, and annoying or molesting a child. Deputies told the outlet that Marchica is being held on $17.5 million bail, with his next court appearance set for next Friday.
Investigators also released tip lines for anyone with information: Detective Janelli Arroyo at 831-755-7261 and Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773.
Investigators Say More Victims May Exist
In a statement to CBS San Francisco, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office said, "Based on the evidence developed thus far, detectives believe there are additional victims and witnesses within the community." Investigators told the outlet that some of the alleged disclosures stretch back to 2012, raising the possibility of a years-long pattern that may have touched multiple communities.
Where He Worked
Deputies said Marchica had been serving as a pastor, providing religious services at a gathering center in the Hidden Valley community off Cienega Road in San Benito County. They added that he previously owned bakeries in Prunedale and Monterey, and ran gyms in Sand City, Seaside, and Prunedale, where he taught jiu-jitsu and offered physical therapy and massage services.
Booking Records
Booking logs list him as Emmanuel Charles Marchica and detail the felony counts now tied to the complaint. According to RecentlyBooked, the public entry reflects those charges and shows last Saturday's booking date in Monterey County.
How To Contact Investigators
Anyone who may have been victimized or who has information is urged to contact Detective Janelli Arroyo at 831-755-7261 or Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773, deputies said. The sheriff's office added that victims will be treated "with dignity, compassion, and respect" throughout the investigative process.
