Goleta, Calif. – Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Lompoc man for sexual battery and are reaching out to attempt to identify additional survivors associated with the suspect. On Sunday, May 3, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office began investigating a report of a suspected sexual battery of an adult female that occurred during a post-prom party at Bowlero in the 5900-block of Calle Real.

Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 29-year-old Miguel “Michael” Angel Juarez of Lompoc. Detectives learned that Juarez was familiar with the victim in this initial case through his employment as a Special Education Paraeducator at Dos Pueblos High School. On Thursday, May 8, 2025, detectives arrested Juarez at his residence in the 4300-block of Constellation Road in Lompoc. Juarez was booked at the Northern Branch Jail for misdemeanor sexual battery. He is being held on $10,000 bail.

This investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are sharing news of this arrest with the public along with a request for any additional survivors to reach out. The Sheriff’s Office would like to encourage anyone with knowledge of additional crimes associated with Juarez to please contact Detective Kiesow by phone at (805)681-4150. If you would like to be anonymous, you can submit information online at: sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip or by calling (805)681-4171.

Sheriff’s detectives coordinate closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of survivors are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused. Victim Advocates are available to ensure that survivors are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Survivors have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at (805)568-2400 or toll free at (855)840-3232.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind survivors that they can also find support services through our community partner, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA). Services offered by STESA include a confidential 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. You can reach a STESA advocate at any time by calling (805) 564-3696.