On Friday, October 21, 2016 at 9:30 p.m. a mother reported to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office that she had found pornographic pictures of her 10-year-old daughter on an SD card belonging to Charles Dean Garcia, age 30 of San Tan Valley.
The mother told deputies, she had already confronted Garcia by phone about the photos and he “freaked out.” Garcia was able to find the mother and assaulted her as he attempted unsuccessfully to get the SD card back. Garcia then drove off in a 2002 Mercedes sedan.
The vehicle Garcia had been driving was found abandoned in the area of Ironwood and Ocotillo. Additional phone contact was made with Garcia who made suicidal statements and it was confirmed he was armed with a 9mm handgun.
A statewide attempt to locate was sent to law enforcement agencies.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “Detectives were able to determine, Garcia had sexually molested and photographed not only the 10-year-old female but also another young female. Last night, one of our patrol sergeants received a tip from a concerned citizen on the whereabouts of Garcia. A perimeter was set up around a residence near West Chandler Heights Road and North Gantzel Road. Deputies felt that Garcia was inside of a camp trailer located on the property. Deputies opened the door and ordered Garcia to exit but he refused. Garcia was located in the trailer and tried unsuccessfully to barricade himself inside. Deputies used a Taser, and then were able to take him into custody.”
Sheriff Babeu continued, “Charles Garcia used his position of trust with the family and committed unthinkable acts against two innocent young girls. Thankfully, the victims mother found the photos and reported these crimes. Garcia was booked into our jail for five counts of Child Molestation. Additional charges will be filed as the investigation continues. I am proud of our deputies and detectives who worked around the clock to get this monster behind bars where he belongs.”