Police rescue Central Coast girl, arrest father who impregnated her

October 5, 2026

Sergio Galvez Perez and Diana Galvez Ortega

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sunday that 14-year-old Diana Galvez Ortega, the girl whose father allegedly raped her, has been rescued by Mexican law enforcement. Mexican authorities also captured Ortega’s father, Sergio Galvez Perez, 38.

Perez allegedly raped and impregnated his daughter, who in turn, allegedly killing her own daughter, after giving birth. The infant was found dead on the side of a road on Aug. 1.

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said sheriff’s detectives worked closely with the FBI and Mexican authorities to secure Ortega’s safe rescue.

“During the rescue operation, Sergio Galvez Perez was arrested after he was found in possession of narcotics,” Nieto said in a statement. “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.”

The sheriff’s office says it is grateful to its all enforcement partner who have assisted with the investigation and the efforts to rescue Ortega. Sheriff’s officials are withholding further details about the case. The investigation remains active.

Prior to the rescue and capture operation, Perez and Ortega had last been seen on Aug. 4 at about 2 a.m. in the Salinas area.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has already filed criminal charges against Perez for sexually assaulting his own child. The district attorney’s office previously said it had not made any charging decision regarding the 14-year-old girl. Prosecutors said they were also reviewing potential charges against the teen’s mother.