News Summary
Residents of Costa Mesa are grappling with a series of disturbing sexual assault charges involving minors. Multiple defendants, including Hermelindo Flores Alejandro and Nelson Anibal Saavedra, are facing severe allegations spanning several years. The rise in these serious charges highlights a troubling trend of violence against children in the community. Local law enforcement and prosecutors are working diligently to address the situation and seek justice for the victims. The community is urged to remain vigilant and support those affected.
Costa Mesa residents are facing serious legal issues as multiple individuals have been charged with various counts of sexual assault involving minors over several years. Recently, several cases have surfaced that include disturbing allegations of abuse spanning from 2013 to 2022. The charges highlight a troubling trend of sexual violence against children in the community.
Charges Against Hermelindo Flores Alejandro
A 48-year-old man, Hermelindo Flores Alejandro, has been charged with sexually assaulting two girls, with incidents reported to have occurred four years apart in 2013 and 2017. Alejandro faces multiple serious charges, including four counts of lewd or lascivious acts on a minor under 14, as well as two counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration of a child 10 or younger. Additionally, he is charged with one count of forcible lewd acts on a child. Alejandro did not enter a plea during his arraignment in the Santa Ana jail courtroom and his next hearing is set for October 6 at the West Justice Center in Westminster. It has been reported that he met the girls while renting a room with their families in Costa Mesa. His current residence is not publicly disclosed.
Nelson Anibal Saavedra’s Case
In a separate but equally alarming case, Nelson Anibal Saavedra, a 47-year-old man, is facing a dozen felony counts for sexual assaults against two girls from [2015] to [2022]. Prosecutors allege that Saavedra began assaulting the older girl when she was just 6 years old and continued until she was 12. Both girls were victims during that time. Saavedra entered the lives of the girls after dating their mother when she was 23, while the family lived in a crowded household. The older girl found the courage to report the assaults to a classmate, who subsequently helped her approach the principal. Saavedra has denied the allegations, claiming that the older girl was “sexually aggressive.”
Sergio Arroyo Miralrio Convicted
Additionally, Sergio Arroyo Miralrio, a 37-year-old man, has been convicted for sexually assaulting a female relative over a prolonged period, starting from when she was four years old until she was sixteen. The charges against him include multiple counts of lewd acts and aggravated sexual assault. He has faced two counts of lewd acts on a minor under 14 and two counts of rape, with sentencing scheduled for February 21.
Peter Michael Mejia Arrested
Another suspect, Peter Michael Mejia, a 27-year-old from Redlands, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in committing lewd acts with minors. Mejia faces several felony charges and investigators uncovered the allegations on February 13. It has been reported that he engaged in sexual relationships with underage girls through social media platforms. Law enforcement officials are now seeking public help to identify any additional potential victims due to Mejia’s accessibility to young girls online.
Arrest of Chris Flores
Lastly, Chris Flores, a former trainer known by the nickname “Coach Frog,” has been arrested for sexually assaulting two teenagers across Riverside and Orange counties. In a tragic twist, a woman has come forth claiming she was previously raped by Flores, despite his acquittal in a past trial regarding her accusations in 2009. The Orange Unified School District has clarified that Flores was never an employee, though he had associations with the STARS Prep Academy, where the incidents allegedly took place on school grounds and other locations. His bail is currently set at $500,000, with a court appearance scheduled for August 15.
The alarming rise in serious charges against residents of Costa Mesa serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and community awareness regarding the protection of children against sexual violence.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- My News LA
- CBS News
- ABC7 News
- KTLA
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- Google Search: Sexual Assault Prevention
- Google Scholar: Sexual Violence Against Children
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Google News: Costa Mesa Sexual Assaults
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
