Santa Rosa man arrested for multiple counts of statutory rape following identification of additional victims

On June 12, 2025, detectives with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Team (DVSA) arrested Baruc Ojeda-Ballesteros, a 26-year-old resident of Santa Rosa, for 28 felony charges related to sexual relationships he engaged in with young teen girls. Ojeda-Ballesteros was originally arrested by DVSA detectives in February 2025, after detectives learned he was having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old Santa Rosa girl. Following his arrest, detectives continued their investigation, which included a forensic search of Ojeda-Ballesteros’s cell phone.  

Data on Ojeda-Ballesteros’s phone included numerous communications of a sexual nature between him and other people, as well as illicit images and videos of a young female. Further investigation determined that Ojeda-Ballesteros had been communicating about sexual interactions with four additional girls, ranging in age from 13 to 14 years old. 

After conducting several forensic interviews and examining additional evidence, detectives determined that Ojeda-Ballesteros engaged in numerous sexual acts with minors, to include rape by force or fear and possession of child pornography. On June 12, at approximately 3:15 pm, detectives arrested Ojeda-Ballesteros following a traffic stop on W. Eighth Street, Santa Rosa. Ojeda-Ballesteros was in possession of a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest. The firearm was located in the backseat of his vehicle. 

Ojeda-Ballesteros was booked into Sonoma County Jail for 28 felony charges related to the above-mentioned investigations, and one count of 25850 PC for carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. 

SRPD DVSA detectives are still actively investigating this case. Anyone with information about Ojeda-Ballesteros or these incidents is encouraged to contact the SRPD Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Team at 707-543-3595 or submit information online at srcity.org/CrimeTips. 

Due to the sensitive nature of this investigation and the ages of the victims, we will not be releasing the names of the victims or specific details about the crimes Ojeda-Ballesteros is accused of committing. All of the victims are Sonoma and Mendocino County residents, and all of the crimes Ojeda-Ballesteros was arrested for are believed to have occurred or originated in Sonoma County.  

If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing abuse, exploitation, or manipulation, please know that you are not alone, and there is help available. In Sonoma County, the Family Justice Center in Santa Rosa offers a safe, welcoming space where families can access a wide range of services, including legal advocacy, counseling, and support for victims of child abuse, sexual exploitation, and other forms of violence. Located at 2755 Mendocino Avenue, the center is open for walk-ins or appointments at (707) 565-8255. An additional resource is the YWCA, which offers trauma-informed counseling for children and adolescents, as well as support for families navigating the aftermath of abuse. Their 24/7 crisis hotline is available at (707) 546-1234, and all services are confidential and inclusive. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department is committed to protecting children and supporting families through a compassionate, trauma-informed response and investigation. Every child deserves to be safe, and every parent deserves support in protecting them. 

Media inquiries can be directed to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, at 707-543-3634, or pseffens@srcity.org.