Wellton man charged in molestation
A 32-year-old Wellton man accused of molestation will remain in jail after being ordered held on a $2 million bond during his arraignment Friday morning in Wellton Justice Court.
Wellton Justice of the Peace Cora Romine also advised Pedro Virgen Munoz that a felony complaint had been filed against him. Munoz, whose family moved to Wellton about a year ago, was charged with eight counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
Romine also appointed a public defender to represent Munoz and set his next court date, a preliminary hearing, for Sept. 3.
Wellton police arrested Munoz on Tuesday for allegedly sexually molesting a juvenile female under age 18. He was arrested on charges of child molestation, sexual conduct with a minor and continual sexual abuse of a minor.
According to Wellton Police, Antelope Union High School received an anonymous phone call in reference to a child molestation on Tuesday morning.
The school reported the alleged child molestation to the Wellton Police Department, which launched an investigation. Wellton police determined that Munoz is believed to have been committing the crime on the juvenile for an extended period of time.
The Yuma Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff's Office and Amberly's Place all assisted in the case.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.
