Richmond police Sgt. Enrik Melgoza and several law enforcement colleagues were recognized with a proclamation at City Council Tuesday, March 25, for their swift response and collaboration in rescuing a child from her alleged predatory stepfather earlier this year.
The case unfolded on Tuesday, Jan. 28 when an elementary school student approached Sgt. Melgoza to report that an adult was sexually assaulting her friend and classmate, according to the proclamation.
Officers began investigating, learned the suspect might be alone with the victim and responded to the victim’s location, where the suspect answered the door wearing only a bath towel, police said. The juvenile was located inside the residence and police believe the suspect was in the act of sexually assaulting the minor.
Marlon Alexander Maravilla Martinez, 22, of Richmond, was taken into custody and charged with 16 felony counts related to sexually abusing a child 10 years or younger. He remains in jail on $7 million bail. The victim was reunited with family to receive care and resources, authorities said.
In the wake of the case, city officials are praising law enforcement for acting swiftly, mobilizing fellow officers to locate the victim and investigate the claims. City officials said Sgt. Melgoza became “more than just a public servant,” but a “trusted community guardian.”
“Without hesitation, Sgt. Melgoza and other responding officers acted swiftly, immediately contacting the victim’s family and locating the child’s whereabouts,” they said. “Through seamless collaboration with several Richmond PD staff members, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and the Contra Costa Crime Lab, critical DNA evidence was expedited and processed with urgency, confirming the assault and securing the necessary legal foundation to keep the suspect in custody until trial.”
In addition to Sgt. Melgoza, the city proclamation recognized Sgts. Rivera and Castillo, Detectives Farr, K. Nguyen and Alvarado, Officers Sousa, Garcia, Santiago and Gonzalez and Crime Scene Investigator Darling for their dedicated work in responding to pressing case.
Richmond Councilmember Doria Robinson, herself a victim of sexual violence, praised the law enforcement officials for taking action and thanked them for “helping to stop the cycle of trauma.”
Added Mayor Eduardo Martinez, “Their service speaks for them. What they do speaks for them. And we are immensely proud of having you represent the City of Richmond.”