Crime & Safety
Molestation Suspect Accused of Bribing Victim With Drugs To Not Testify
Deputies said suspect Eric Ichtertz associates with teenage runaways in Aptos and Capitola and there may be other molestation victims who haven't yet come forward.
A Santa Cruz man who already faces child molestation charges was arrested again last week after deputies said he offered the victim illegal drugs and money not to testify against him, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said today.
Eric Ichtertz, 23, was taken into custody in 2013 on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a juvenile, according to sheriff's office officials.
He was later released on $50,000 bail, and his case has been continued several times.
Ichtertz was taken into custody again on May 22, however, on suspicion of child molestation and attempting to dissuade a victim after he allegedly offered illegal drugs and money to the victim in the 2013 case to not testify against him, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Officials said Ichtertz is known to associate with teenage runaways in the Aptos and Capitola areas and there may be other molestation victims who haven't come forward yet.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information about the investigation to call (831) 471-1121.
--Bay City News
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