A Manteca man is facing 26 felony child sex charges after prosecutors alleged decades of abuse involving multiple children, according to authorities. Craig Allen Montalvo was arraigned Monday on a slate of charges that include lewd acts by force on a child under 14 and sexual penetration of a child under 10. Prosecutors say there are five charged victims and that the alleged conduct stretches over roughly 25 years. Montalvo is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to the San Joaquin Superior Court on August 14, 2026, for a further hearing. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
According to a press release from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, Montalvo faces 26 felony counts in total, including lewd acts by force on a child under 14, sexual penetration of a child under 10 and possession of child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors also say there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified. San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office said Deputy District Attorney Kristi Kooger will lead the prosecution.
Investigation and response
In a detailed Facebook update, the District Attorney’s Office said the case remains under active investigation by Detective Dave Poel of the Manteca Police Department and that authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. In that post, District Attorney Ron Freitas stated, "My office is fully committed to thoroughly reviewing the evidence in this matter and ensuring a fair, comprehensive legal process for everyone involved." The same update urges anyone with information to contact investigators. The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office is using its social media channels to get that message out.
Local context
The arrest lands in the middle of a year already marked by high-profile child safety and abuse cases in San Joaquin County, keeping the issue at the forefront of local discussion. KCRA has reported on earlier prosecutions that drew intense public attention and fueled community concern about how alleged crimes against children are being handled.
Court schedule and what’s next
The District Attorney’s Office says Montalvo is scheduled to return to court on August 14, in Department M1 at the Manteca branch of the San Joaquin County Superior Court, where the prosecution is expected to move forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dave Poel through the Manteca Police Department or the DA’s victim witness unit, which is listed in public information materials. The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office has also provided media contact names and numbers for questions about the case.
Legal implications
The felony charges Montalvo faces carry the possibility of lengthy state prison terms if proven, and they typically involve significant pretrial work, including witness interviews and forensic review. As with all criminal prosecutions, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty and will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.
How to help or get support
Officials are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Manteca Police Department at (209) 456-8100 or reach out to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. The DA’s public materials list media contacts and victim-witness resources for those seeking guidance or support. The Manteca Police Department and the DA’s office can help connect people affected by the allegations with available services.
