EspañolEdward Sepulveda, 68, of Moreno Valley, Accused of Sexually Abusing Multiple Children While Serving as Foster Parent
MORENO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (August 19, 2026) – A 68-year-old Moreno Valley foster parent identified as Edward Sepulveda is facing multiple sexual abuse charges as police search for additional victims.
Riverside County officials are saying that the assault allegedly took place in the early 2000s. Edward Sepulveda, who has fostered nearly 100 children, is accused of sexually abusing four children.
An investigation began in September 2025 after a victim came forward. During the course of the investigation, investigators were able to identify three additional victims.
Edward Sepulveda has since been booked on multiple felony charges and his bail was set at $1 million. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.
Liability for Riverside County Sexual Abuse
Foster care programs in California are governed by certain statutes, including California Welfare and Institutions Code § 16001.9. The statute gives children in foster care the right to live in safe and healthy environments that are free from any kind of sexual or physical abuse. California’s Resource Family Approval law requires that certain safeguards be put in place to prevent children from being sexually abused. These safeguards include home evaluations, caregiver training, and criminal background checks. Courts will examine numerous factors when considering liability for sexual abuse in a foster care setting.
- Screening: The screening and approval process of any individual who is allowed to take care of foster children should be carefully scrutinized.
- Family Assessment: All documents related to any home and family assessment that took place are also important to examine.
- Complaint Investigations: Any complaints involving the perpetrator should be reviewed. California law requires careful monitoring for approved families.
- Documentation: All home-visit records and communication with children can help establish whether there were known safety concerns.
Any person who physically or sexually abuses a child while acting as a foster parent can be held legally and civilly responsible for that misconduct. Civil liability may also extend to government agencies that were responsible for placing the affected child in harm’s way. Consider, for example, D.G. v. Orange County Social Services Agency, California Court of Appeal, Fourth District, Division Three (2025). The plaintiff alleged that he was sexually abused by his foster parent for years and county social workers failed to investigate the abuse. The California Court of Appeal rejected the claim that it owed no duty of care to the victim.
Preventing Foster Care Abuse in California
Sexual abuse in a foster care setting is unfortunately quite common and often difficult to identify. One report in Child Abuse & Neglect found that children were not likely to report abuse for multiple different reasons. For example, the child may have had a negative reaction to prior disclosures. The child may also fear for their physical well-being. Foster care facilities should take the following measures to prevent abuse.
- Private Check-Ins: Children should have plenty of opportunities to speak with trusted professionals about their living conditions during foster care.
- Placement Review: Foster care organizations should thoroughly investigate any prior complaints or licensing concerns before placing a child in that location.
- Reporting Avenues: Children should be given multiple avenues through which they can report this conduct.
- Warnings: Foster care facility employees should be trained to recognize the warning signs that abuse is taking place. These can include unexplained injuries and dramatic shifts in behavior.
Effective child protection is a complex and ongoing process. It does not end once an individual or family has been approved to foster children. It requires continuous monitoring of that home and adherence to safety procedures. Unfortunately, many foster care organizations do not take appropriate actions to protect children from abuse. They may fail to investigate complaints. Victims of sexual abuse in a foster care setting may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Getting Legal Help After Sexual Abuse in Foster Care
We at the Carrillo Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations of sexual abuse involving Edward Sepulveda. It is very troubling this individual fostered nearly 100 children over the years. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all the potential safety shortcomings that may have contributed to what happened. What prior complaints were made involving the defendant?
Have you or a loved one been sexually abused at a foster home in California? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced sexual abuse attorneys is here to support you. We care deeply that abuse victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to and that perpetrators are held fully accountable. Whether you just have legal questions or would like a risk-free, confidential consultation, we are here for you. You can reach out to us any time at 626-799-9375.
