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AIPROPX ReportABC7 Los Angeles · 3h ago
Riverside man arrested, accused of nearly 2 decades of sexual abuse against foster children
Riverside man arrested, accused of nearly 2 decades of sexual abuse against foster children Police say there may be more alleged victims because Edward Sepulveda was a foster parent for at least 90 children over the years.
A Riverside foster parent has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting at least three girls and one boy who were under his care over a period of nearly 20 years. RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Riverside foster parent has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly sexually assaulting at least three girls and one boy who were under his care over a period of nearly 20 years.
Authorities identified the suspect as 68-year-old Edward Sepulveda. He's been charged with ten counts for various sexual assault crimes against the victims, some under the age of ten years old.
"It's an unfortunate situation because you have these foster kids that are really seeking help, guidance, support from who is potentially their foster parent," said Riverside Police Det. Steven Espinosa. "Unfortunately, Mr. Sepulveda took advantage of that."
Riverside police said many of the alleged crimes occurred in the suspect's home on Highlander Drive in a neighborhood near UC Riverside. Investigators said they made the arrest after one of the alleged victims, who is now an adult, bravely came forward.
"It takes some time for some of these victims to come forward and grab the strength to do so, and so we're glad that she did," said Espinosa.
Police said they are concerned there may be additional alleged victims because Sepulveda served as a foster parent for at least 90 foster children over the years. Police said the alleged crimes occurred from 1998 through at least 2013.
Espinosa said investigators remain focused on supporting victims and pursuing the case.
"In dealing with these cases, as detectives, as officers, we see things and hear things that nobody should. What we do it and why we do it is because we want to help these people out," Espinosa said. "At the end of the day, we signed up to do a job. That's what we intend to do in each and every case is truly just help these victims find a voice and find justice."
Detectives told Eyewitness News they are interviewing a potential fifth victim and believe there could be others who have not yet come forward.
"If you know anything regarding this investigation, or you've been victimized yourself by Mr. Sepulveda, we ask that you come forward. We are here to help," Espinosa said.
Sepulveda remains in custody with bail set at $1 million as the investigation continues. Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the detective in charge of the case at (951) 353-7945.
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