Fresno County - Sheriff Margaret Mims announced Thursday the arrest of a Mendota man on several counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child.  Arrested was 29 year old Fernando Cervantes.

The investigation began in March of 2005.  At that time, two victims, ages seven and nine, reported that they had been molested by Cervantes.  Sheriff’s Office detectives began an investigation and identified a possible third ten year old victim.  Cervantes was interviewed in April of 2005 but denied the allegations.  The case was eventually submitted to the DA’s Office.  Due to the lack of corroborating evidence the case was not filed. 

In March of this year, the case was reopened when the third victim, now 15 years old, disclosed to a teacher that she had been sexually abused by Cervantes.  The case was again submitted to the DA’s Office.  This time, three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child were filed against Cervantes and an arrest warrant was issued. 

On July 21^st, Cervantes was arrested on the warrant at his home in Mendota without incident.  He was later transported to the Fresno County Jail where he was booked on the abuse charges.

After Cervantes’ arrest, detectives continued with the investigation and identified a fourth victim, age eleven.  Additional charges against Cervantes may be pending. 

Detectives do not know at this time if there are more victims.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Danielle Isaac at 488-6784, or the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 488-3111.