Press Release: Child Molester Arrested

On Friday June 17, 2016, Santa Cruz Police Detectives arrested suspect Timothy Ritchison for inappropriate lewd and lascivious acts with a child. The victim is a preschool age female. The suspect was known and trusted by the family. Santa Cruz Police Detectives worked tirelessly to investigate this case which led them to El Dorado CA and the arrest of Timothy Ritchison – 47 years old.

      Timothy Ritchison, 47 years old from El Dorado CA

The case came to light at approximately 7:45pm on Thursday 6/16/16 when Santa Cruz Police Officers responded to a report of a car burglary. Officers learned that the reporting party was the victim’s mother. The mother had discovered video evidence of the suspect Timothy Ritchison molesting her child. The shocked and distraught mother confronted Mr. Ritchison with the video and then fled in her car to an acquaintances home to call the police. While the mother and child were in the home, the suspect Timothy Ritchison shattered the passenger side window and stole the video evidence from the car. He then drove away from the scene in his white 2006 Buick sedan.

The location of the incident and age of the victims are not being disclosed to protect their identities.

The successful and efficient investigation included a collaborative effort with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department. Santa Cruz Police Detectives worked throughout the night investigating the perpetrator and his whereabouts. A search warrant was served at Mr. Ritchison’s residence and car. The suspect Timothy Ritchison was in custody by 7:15 am on 6/17/16.

In the following interviews with detectives, Mr. Ritchison confessed to the molestation. He gave multiple corroborating statements consistent with the victim’s allegations.

Timothy Ritchison was arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Jail and extradited to the Santa Cruz County Jail on a $250,000 bail. Mr. Ritchison was arrested for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.

Detectives are continuing to sort through evidence to determine if there are additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5820.

Detectives Work Though the Weekend on Child Molest Arrest

Unfortunately, we have told this story too often lately.....Protecting the children of this community is a core responsibility for all of us.   For tips on protecting our kids, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

http://www.missingkids.com

Santa Cruz Police Detectives worked throughout the weekend investigating a reported child molestation case.  The investigation led to the arrest of:

Richard Lester Brode – 67 years old, Santa Cruz Resident (Photo on Page 2)

 

The case came to light after a mandated reporter contacted the Santa Cruz Police Department on Friday January 31, 2014.  Officers followed up on the information and learned of several events that involved Mr. Brode molesting young females.  The investigation revealed that Mr. Brode had used force on his victims and forcefully held them against their will.  The age of the victims is not being disclosed to protect their identity.  

A search warrant served on Mr. Brode’s residence led to the discovery of child pornography in Mr. Brode’s possession.  The child pornography consisted of digital photos and printed photos.  Mr. Brode also had hard-bound books that contained child pornography, with titles such as “Child Women” and “Immediate Family”. 

Mr. Brode was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of (1) Assault with Intent to Commit Rape, (2) False Imprisonment, (3) Lewd Conduct with Child Under 14 years, and (4) Possession of Child Pornography. 

Detectives are continuing to follow up on the case to determine if there are additional victims.   Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5820.