The Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office filed a criminal complaint Monday charging 37-year-old Priscilla Mestaz and 36-year-old Anthony Machuca, both of Salida, with 27 felony and misdemeanor counts related to the alleged abuse.
The investigation began on Jan. 31, 2026, when the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office said an 11-year-old girl was refusing to return home and told authorities she was being physically abused by Mestaz, who she said was her aunt. The girl later expanded on the alleged abuse during an interview with detectives.
Authorities said surveillance cameras inside and outside the home captured footage that corroborated what the child told detectives. Other evidence found indicated the girl had been living primarily in the garage and backyard.
Authorities said the child was also allegedly restrained and dragged using a dog leash, while being subjected to sustained verbal abuse and threats.
Machuca was arrested when law enforcement officials first went to the home. Mestaz, who officials said was in an advanced stage of pregnancy at that time, was later arrested on March 12 after giving birth.
Stanislaus County Sheriff's OfficeMestaz and Macuha are each being held in jail on $1 million bail.
Investigators say the case remains ongoing as they review a large amount of digital and physical evidence to determine whether additional charges may be filed.
Authorities also discovered that Mestaz worked as a child and family services case manager for a local organization.
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