California and Mexican authorities say 14-year-old Diana Galvez Ortega was located in Mexico on Oct. 4 and is now in protective custody. Her father, Sergio Galvez Perez, 38, was arrested during the rescue and found with narcotics; he faces multiple charges in Monterey County, including incest and lewd acts with a child under 14. An Amber Alert was issued Sept. 6 after a newborn believed to be Diana's was found dead on Aug. 1. The investigation is ongoing and officials are coordinating across jurisdictions.
14-Year-Old Allegedly Impregnated by Her Father Rescued in Mexico; Father Arrested
Sergio Galvez Perez; Diana Galvez Ortega.Credit: Monterey County Sheriff's Office/Facebook (2)
Diana Galvez Ortega, a 14-year-old girl who authorities say was allegedly impregnated by her father, has been located in Mexico and is now in the custody of Mexican officials, Monterey County authorities announced on Oct. 4.
Rescue Operation and Arrest
Mexican law enforcement located Diana and took her into protective custody during an operation that also led to the arrest of her father, Sergio Galvez Perez, 38. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said Perez was arrested after he was found in possession of narcotics. Sheriff Nieto added that Mexican authorities were aware of the outstanding Monterey County charges related to crimes allegedly committed against Diana.
Allegations and Pending Charges
Monterey County officials say Perez faces multiple felony charges in California, including incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment, and child endangerment. Authorities emphasize these are allegations and the investigation is ongoing.
Timeline and Investigation
On Aug. 1, a newborn believed to be Diana's was found dead on a roadside in north Monterey County; the infant was referred to by police as "Baby Angelita." An Amber Alert for Diana was issued on Sept. 6 after investigators linked her to the newborn and could not account for her whereabouts.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly showed Perez and Diana in Salinas inside a white Nissan Altima that had no license plates. The vehicle was later recovered, but the pair remained missing until this week's rescue.
"During the rescue operation, Sergio Galvez Perez was arrested after he was found in possession of narcotics," Sheriff Tina Nieto said. "Mexican authorities are aware of the pending charges against him in Monterey County for crimes committed against Diana. Diana is safe and is currently in the care of local authorities in Mexico."
Prosecutor's Statement and Next Steps
Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni previously clarified that her office had not approved a murder charge against Diana. She explained that Diana had initially been sought on a Ramey warrant — a warrant obtained at law enforcement's request through a court that is not pre-reviewed by the district attorney's office. Pacioni described Diana as a victim of alleged abuse and stated, "No child should ever have to endure such horrific circumstances."
Pacioni also said her office was reviewing potential charges against the girl's mother, but that any such charges were unrelated to the infant's death or the sexual assault allegations against Perez. Officials from Monterey County and Mexican authorities continue to coordinate as investigators and prosecutors determine next steps.
Note: All accused parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains active and a press conference is expected to be scheduled by Monterey County authorities.
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