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.
