California Pastor and Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Held on $17.5 Million Bail in Monterey County Child Sex Abuse Case

MONTEREY, CA — A Hollister pastor and Jiu-Jitsu instructor is being held on $17.5 million bail after Monterey County authorities arrested him on allegations of sexually abusing at least four children. Investigators say the case began with a tip about an ongoing abuse matter involving a child and quickly expanded as witnesses were interviewed.

How the case unfolded

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said it was alerted on July 5, 2026, and assigned the matter to investigators right away. After a five-day probe, detectives say they identified several additional victims.

Authorities also said statements from alleged victims date back as far as 2012, suggesting the conduct may have stretched over many years. They believe there could be more victims who have not yet spoken with investigators.

Who the suspect is

The suspect is Emmanuel Marchica, who authorities say served as a pastor and delivered sermons at a community gathering center in the Hidden Valley Community of San Benito County at the time of his arrest. The sheriff’s office also said he had run bakeries in Prunedale and Monterey and owned gyms in Sand City, Seaside and Prunedale.

According to authorities, those businesses also involved physical therapy and massage therapy services. Investigators have not said whether the alleged abuse was connected to those settings.

Charges and allegations

Marchica is facing several felony charges tied to what authorities described as a pattern of serious misconduct. The allegations include inappropriate sexual contact, forced sexual acts and child molestation.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and that detectives are continuing to look for anyone else who may have been harmed.

Detectives seek more reports

Officials urged anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Marchica, to contact investigators. They say additional interviews could help determine the full scope of the case.

Detective Janelli Arroyo can be reached at (831) 755-7261, and Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy can be reached at (831) 755-3773.

TNSO covers California, Nevada, and Arizona as the story unfolds.