Shandon man running unlicensed daycare arrested for molesting kids

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a 67-year-old Shandon man on allegations of sexually abusing children, an investigation that has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit North County community. Javier RiveraMojica was taken into custody on Wednesday after detectives determined he allegedly gained access to numerous victims through an illicit, unlicensed daycare operating out of his home.

According to CalCoastNews, RiveraMojica and his wife were operating the underground daycare from their residence located in the 100 block of South Fourth Street in Shandon. The investigation came to a head mid-week when the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division served a warrant at the property, resulting in RiveraMojica’s arrest without incident.

He was subsequently booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on a no-bail arrest warrant. He faces multiple counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14.

An Illicit Operation in the Heart of North County

The allegations against RiveraMojica underscore a chilling reality for parents across the 805 region: the alleged abuse was facilitated by an unlicensed childcare operation. Child care licensing in California is strictly regulated by the Department of Social Services to ensure that facilities meet critical health, safety, and background-check requirements. Operators who bypass this system often do so in plain sight, relying on word-of-mouth referrals within local communities.

Shandon, a small, rural agricultural town located just east of Paso Robles, relies heavily on community networks. In communities where licensed childcare options are often limited or highly impacted, unlicensed home daycares frequently emerge to fill the gap. While many neighborhood babysitting arrangements are legal and operate below the threshold requiring a formal state license, operating a full-time daycare without proper state certification carries severe legal risks and circumvents the vital safety nets designed to protect the region's most vulnerable residents.

The Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information

Law enforcement officials stress that the investigation into RiveraMojica’s alleged crimes remains highly active. Because the accused had access to multiple children through his home-based business, investigators are actively working to determine the full scope of the abuse. They are deeply concerned that there may be additional victims or witnesses who have yet to come forward.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the case to step forward. Detectives are specifically asking for anyone who believes they or someone they know may have had contact with RiveraMojica under similar circumstances to reach out. Tips and information can be directed to the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500.

Resources and Support for Victims

In the wake of the arrest, the focus remains on the well-being of the affected children. Sheriff’s officials have confirmed that the victims identified in this case have been offered advocacy and comprehensive support services. The department emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting the safety and emotional well-being of the victims throughout what will likely be a complex and lengthy judicial process.

For residents across San Luis Obispo County, the incident serves as a critical reminder to rigorously vet childcare providers. Verifying a facility's state license—easily done through the California Department of Social Services' online registry—is an essential step for parents. The Sheriff's Office did not immediately release details regarding the duration of the illicit daycare's operation or the specific number of children who may have passed through the South Fourth Street home.

As the legal proceedings against RiveraMojica commence, local authorities and child advocacy groups will continue their outreach, ensuring that those impacted by the tragedy in Shandon receive the necessary support while searching for answers to ensure no other victims remain in the shadows.