EspañolHesperia Pastor, Foster Dad Jose Lozano (Full Name: Jose Manuel Lozano) Arrested For Allegedly Sexually Abusing Minor Girls
HESPERIA, CALIFORNIA (May 7, 2024) – A 54-year-old Hesperia pastor and foster dad identified as Jose Lozano was arrested on suspicion of the continuous sexual abuse of two young girls ages 10 and 16.
San Bernardino County officials issued a news release on April 25, 2024. The Hesperia Police Department was investigating allegations of sexual abuse by a foster parent and local pastor.
Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Jose Lozano. He was apprehended by law enforcement and has since been charged with a violation of PC 288.5(a) – Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor, which is a felony.
Jose Lozano has since been booked into the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto. Detectives believe that there may be additional victims.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For San Bernardino County Child Sexual Abuse
Young girls in foster care are at a heightened risk of sexual abuse. According to one study in The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, “Sexual abuse was reported by 81%, and 68% were sexually abused by more than one individual. Ninety-five percent were neglected; 51% of the neglect was classified as severe and chronic.” There are a number of steps that foster agencies should take in order to prevent sexual abuse.
- Foster agencies should conduct a thorough screening of all people wanting to become foster parents.
- Foster agencies should provide ongoing support, training, and resources for all foster parents.
- Foster agencies should provide regular monitoring and oversight of foster parents.
- Foster agencies should understand the factors that lead to sexual victimization and predation.
It is illegal for any adult to sexually touch, abuse, or exploit a minor. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be multiple liable parties for any instance of sexual abuse. The person or couple responsible for the abuse could be held liable. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) could also potentially be held accountable for failing to remove a child who was at risk. There are many different forms of negligence in any instance of foster care abuse.
- An agency may have failed to report abuse.
- An agency may have failed to follow up on abuse claims.
- An agency may have failed to conduct background checks on foster parents.
- An agency may have failed to involve law enforcement.
Sexual abuse in a foster setting is rarely an isolated incident. By the time any foster care provider is arrested for sexual abuse, there are often numerous red flags that are missed. There may also be numerous victims. This is why it is so important that foster agencies and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) search for signs of sexual abuse or neglect. It is important that victims of sexual abuse understand that they do have rights. Any person who is sexually abused may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Foster Care Sexual Abuse In San Bernardino County
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations being made against Jose Lozano. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. The CDSS should do its part and implement greater oversight to prevent similar incidents.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse? You may have legal recourse. Our team of foster care abuse attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of sexual abuse are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, you can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
