SPECIAL VICTIM’S UNIT THE SPECIAL VICTIM’S UNIT
abused people receive support and care
average of over 200 cases per year.
during the entire process of the case.
Individual cases can take several months
is primarily responsible for investigat-
The SVU assists other agencies in their
cantly longer in the court process,
groups are also involved in helping
The Special Victims Unit handles an
to fully investigate and can last signifi-
ing crimes involving all forms of
own investigations because cases of
sexual assault against juveniles and
physical and sexual abuse are highly
adults within the unincorporated
specialized and require expert training as
parts of San Luis Obispo County. The
mandated by the California Penal Code.
SVU also investigates child abuse,
SVU Investigators provide community
child pornography, and child exploita-
training and educational outreach to
tion. Additionally, SVU detectives
mandated reporters of child abuse and
assist with extreme cases of
advocacy groups so they know how to
domestic violence and some
interact with law enforcement and so
arrested for sexually molesting
non-fiduciary related cases of elder
they can better aid abused persons
multiple children.
abuse. SVU detectives assist with
during the investigative process.
other overarching investigations within the County as needed.
especially due to the ongoing public health concerns and restrictions. Recent publicized SVU cases include: •
was arrested for sexual battery. •
•
In June 2021, an arrest warrant Wilson’s for sex acts with
reasons, 2021 brought its own host of challenges. Children are back in school.
In May 2021, James Storton was
was issued for David Paul
While 2020 was a difficult year for many
SVU detectives coordinate with other
In Dec 2020, James Thomas
children. •
In July 2021, Jesus Valdovinos
agencies, including Child Welfare
Parents are back at work. Some abuses
Services, Adult Protective Services,
that went undiscovered or were
was arrested for raping a woman
Probation and Parole, all law enforce-
otherwise unsuspected are now being
in Cambria near a hiking trail.
ment agencies within the County,
reported in addition to any recent crimes.
some out of county or even out of state
Changes to the law and social
arrested for illegal sex acts with
agencies, and any other necessary
movements have also helped abused
multiple children.
organization to facilitate these investi-
persons find the courage to report older
gations. Other groups important to
crimes they have sometimes carried with
successful case resolution include the
them for decades.
Suspected Abuse Response Team
•
•
In Sep 2021, Craig Grunow was
In Oct 2021, Michael Brians was convicted of multiple counts of sexual child abuse.
(SART) and the Child Abuse Interview Team (CAIT). Numerous advocacy
LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 21
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