The Sacramento Police Department has arrested 31-year-old Joshua Vasquez (pictured below) for the sexual assault of a minor.

On November 17, 2015, the Sacramento Police Department began an investigation of an alleged sexual assault of a child.  This alleged assault is believed to have occurred at Mark Twain Elementary School.  Vasquez worked as a program lead for the City of Sacramento’s “START” after school program and also worked as a part-time employee with the Sacramento City Unified School District. 

An on-going criminal investigation is being conducted by the police department’s Sex Assaults and Child Abuse Unit.  Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and victim confidentiality laws, very limited details surrounding the investigation can be released. 

As soon as the sexual assault allegations were brought to the attention of officials, Vasquez was immediately released by the Sacramento City Unified School District and placed on administrative leave by the City of Sacramento.  

On Friday, November 20, 2015, Sacramento Police detectives took Vasquez into custody at police headquarters.   In addition to the criminal investigation an administrative investigation was initiated.  Immediately upon being confronted with the allegations, Vasquez resigned his employment with the City of Sacramento.  He was later transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail and booked for oral copulation with a victim less than 10 years of age.  

The Sacramento Police Department believes there is a possibility that there are additional victims related to this investigation.  The department urges anyone that may believe they were a victim or may have witnessed any crimes connected with Vasquez to contact the Sacramento Police Department.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact the Communications Center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.