On Oct. 18, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Oscar Rodriguez, 71, of Santa Cruz, for sex-related offenses.
He was arrested on multiple felony charges including 288(C)(1) – lewd and lascivious acts with a child 14 or 15 years old, 288.3(A) – contact minor with intent to commit sex acts, 288.4(B) – arrange to meet with a minor for lewd or lascivious acts.
Since Rodriguez has worked with children as a minister at a local church, therefore detectives are looking into the potential for additional victims, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
After conducting their investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of Rodriguez, who had been an elder at Calvary Chapel in Aptos, according to information that was posted on the church’s website.
Simon Cassar, dean at Calvary Chapel Aptos, said, “We addressed this incredibly serious tragedy as fast as a church board could come together to remove Oscar Rodriguez from the board per his request.”
A special board meeting Oct. 26 was called to order by senior pastor Tom Meyers.
The board heard that Oscar Rodriguez has volunteered to step down from all church leadership duties and not attend Calvary Chapel Aptos.
The next day, the board met after the church service and voted a resolution removing Oscar Rodriquez from pastoral ordination and elder appointment and all ministries and leadership responsibilities.
His photo and name are no longer on that website.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. If you have any information, contact dispatch at (831) 471-1121.
