BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Jeffrey Ruiz, a 44-year-old resident of Arvin, has been sentenced to three years in a California Department of Corrections facility for sexually abusing an 11-year-old family member, according to a Kern County Superior Court official. Ruiz must also register as a sex offender and is prohibited from contacting the child victim.
Ruiz pleaded no contest last month to a charge of a lewd or lascivious act with a child under 14 years old. A second count was dismissed as part of a plea deal on Sept. 19, 2025, court records show.
Ruiz was arrested by Arvin police on June 16, 2025, following an investigation that began on June 12, 2025. The investigation was initiated after a report was made to the police, accompanied by video surveillance allegedly showing Ruiz engaging in inappropriate sexual acts with the child. Detectives took over the investigation and subsequently arrested Ruiz.
PREVIOUS REPORTING: Arvin police arrest man in child sex abuse case, charged by DA; additional victims sought
On June 16, 2025, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office filed the charges against Ruiz. Senior Police Officer Medrano stated at the time of Ruiz’s arrest, “The Arvin Police Department takes all allegations of child sexual abuse seriously and investigates them thoroughly. Sexual predators who target children leave emotional scars that can last a lifetime. The Arvin Police Department is committed to working with our partners at the Kern County District Attorney’s Office to seek justice for our victims.”
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Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim of Jeffrey Ruiz to contact detective Pantoja or Senior Officer Medrano at (661) 854-5583. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the anonymous tip line at (661) 606-6064 or submit an anonymous tip online at arvin.org.