Gardener Suspected Of Sexual Battery Against Long Beach Clients

LONG BEACH, CA — A Long Beach gardener was arrested on suspicion of multiple sexual battery incidents against his clients, police said.

Sex Crimes detectives identified the suspect as Meliton Santoyo Jaramillo, 38 of Norwalk, and said it is believed he is responsible for at least three incidents.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, the assaults all happened in the same neighborhood at Bellflower Boulevard and Wardlow Road. Two incidents occurred in August 2023, when police said Jaramillo allegedly sexually assaulted two different elderly victims.

The most recent incident happened on Feb. 22 in the same area against a woman.

"Detectives believe that suspect Jaramillo was working as a gardener for the victims in each of the incidents," LBPD said in a statement.

Jaramillo was arrested on Monday when investigators carried out an arrest warrant in La Mirada. He was taken to Long Beach City Jail where he was booked on suspicion of three counts of sexual battery.

Detectives believe there may be additional unreported incidents and any possible victims were encouraged to contact the Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or by visiting LACrimeStoppers.org.