06/16/2026
OPOA Recognizes Outstanding Investigative Work in Multi-Victim Child Sexual Abuse Case
The Oroville Police Officers' Association would like to recognize the exceptional work of the Oroville Police Department's Felony Investigations Unit and our law enforcement partners at the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office following the arrest of a suspect in a long-term child sexual abuse investigation involving multiple victims.
On May 22, 2026, Oroville Police Department detectives presented evidence developed during their investigation to a Butte County Superior Court Judge and obtained a Ramey arrest warrant for 57-year-old Lonnie Garcia of Eureka. The warrant included numerous felony charges related to allegations of child sexual abuse involving multiple juvenile victims.
On May 26, 2026, members of the OPD Felony Investigations Unit traveled to Humboldt County and, with the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, contacted Garcia at a residence in Eureka. Garcia was taken into custody without incident and voluntarily returned to Butte County with Oroville Police personnel, where he was booked into the Butte County Jail. Bail was set at $4,625,000.
The investigation revealed allegations spanning multiple years and involving multiple victims who were minors at the time of the reported offenses. While much of the criminal conduct is alleged to have occurred in Oroville, investigators also identified incidents that reportedly occurred in the West Sacramento and Sacramento areas, where Garcia previously resided.
The charges associated with the investigation include multiple counts of:
▪️ Lewd Acts Upon a Child
▪️ Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
▪️ Sexual In*******se with a Child Under the Age of 10
▪️ Oral Copulation with a Child Under the Age of 10
▪️ R**e by Force or Fear
▪️ So**my with a Minor
▪️ Sexual Pe*******on with a Minor
▪️ Unlawful Sexual In*******se with a Minor
Investigations involving crimes against children are among the most complex and emotionally challenging cases law enforcement professionals encounter. These cases often require extensive victim interviews, coordination with prosecutors, forensic examinations, records collection, digital evidence review, and collaboration with partner agencies across multiple jurisdictions.
The OPOA is proud of the professionalism, dedication, and perseverance demonstrated by the detectives, officers, and support staff who worked tirelessly to investigate these allegations and seek justice for the victims. We also extend our appreciation to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, allied investigators, victim advocates, and prosecutors whose assistance was critical throughout this investigation.
Most importantly, we recognize the tremendous courage shown by the victims who came forward. Reporting abuse is never easy, and their willingness to speak up played a vital role in advancing this investigation.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact OPD Felony Investigations Unit Sergeant Mary Barker.
The Oroville Police Officers' Association remains committed to supporting investigations that protect children, hold offenders accountable, and keep our communities safe.
