Freedom Man Arrested in Alleged Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old Morgan Hill Girl

Overview

• Police identified the suspect as Alexis Javier Mendez-Gallardo, 21, of Freedom in Santa Cruz County.
• Officers responded on Feb. 12 to a report that a 12-year-old had been sexually assaulted in Morgan Hill.
• Investigators obtained warrants and, with assistance from Watsonville police, located and arrested Mendez-Gallardo this week.
• Mendez-Gallardo was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of multiple felonies, including rape, oral copulation, and sexual penetration of a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, and arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes.
• Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Detective Sgt. Sean Bayard or submit anonymous tips through city and tip line channels.