Detectives arrest Shandon man accused of abusing a child at an unlicensed daycare

A recent arrest in the small community of Shandon has raised serious concerns for families throughout the North San Luis Obispo County region. On Wednesday, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office detectives apprehended a 67-year-old man accused of committing lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14.

Javier RiveraMojica was taken into custody without incident following the execution of a search warrant in the 100 block of South Fourth Street in Shandon. The Paso Robles Daily News reported that authorities booked RiveraMojica into county jail on a no-bail arrest warrant stemming from multiple counts of the felony charge.

For residents in Paso Robles and the surrounding rural communities, the case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities surrounding unregulated childcare.

Unlicensed Daycare at the Center of the Investigation

According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation revealed that RiveraMojica allegedly gained access to his young victim or victims through a home-based, unlicensed daycare. Detectives stated that RiveraMojica and his wife operated the childcare facility directly out of their South Fourth Street residence.

Operating an unlicensed daycare in California is a violation of state health and safety codes. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) requires licenses for individuals providing care and supervision to children from more than one family. These stringent requirements ensure that facilities meet specific health and safety standards, undergo regular inspections, and require all adults living in or operating the home to pass comprehensive criminal background checks.

In unlicensed home settings, standard safety protocols—such as those rigorous background checks and mandated reporter trainings—are bypassed entirely, leaving children without the regulatory safety net designed to protect them. The closure of the Shandon daycare operation comes as a shock to the quiet, tight-knit agricultural community located just a short drive east of Paso Robles.

Active Investigation and Search for Additional Victims

Given the nature of the charges and the fact that the daycare operated outside of state oversight, local law enforcement is working to determine whether there are additional victims who have not yet come forward.

The Sheriff’s Office Detective Division, which is actively leading the investigation, has emphasized the importance of community awareness. In unlicensed facilities, there is often no formal roster of attending children, making it difficult for investigators to account for all minors who may have been left in the suspect's care over the years.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the case, or anyone who suspects they or someone they know may have had dangerous contact with RiveraMojica, to step forward. Authorities have established a direct line for tips and information. Concerned residents and potential witnesses are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500.

Support Resources and Community Vigilance

The investigation highlights a critical priority for the 805 region: ensuring that families have the resources they need to vet childcare providers thoroughly. For parents in Paso Robles, Templeton, and Shandon, the first step in ensuring a child's safety in daycare is verifying a provider’s license. Residents can utilize the CDSS online portal to check the licensing status, inspection history, and any past violations of any childcare facility in California before enrolling their children.

For those directly impacted by this ongoing case, local authorities are prioritizing victim support. The Sheriff’s Office noted that the victims identified during the current investigation have already received offers of victim advocacy and support services. These local services are crucial in helping families navigate the trauma associated with childhood abuse, offering both immediate crisis intervention and long-term therapeutic resources.

As this remains an active investigation, local officials have stated that no additional details regarding the specific evidence or timeline of the allegations will be released at this time. However, the message from law enforcement remains clear: community vigilance is essential. By thoroughly vetting childcare providers and promptly reporting any suspicious behavior, North County residents can help safeguard the region's children.