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Arrests Made In Burglary, Molestation Cases
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Arrests have been made in a pair of cases by Escalon Police, one arrest closing out a burglary case and another resulting from a complaint in connection with an improper relationship.

According to press releases issued by the department, police arrested Zachary Shea Stewart, 20, in connection with a burglary and Cesareo Gonzalez, 29, in connection with a year long relationship with an under age teen.

On Saturday, Feb. 23 about 4 p.m., Officer Shane Johnson responded to a report of a burglary in the 1300 block of Dent Street. A woman reported that her home had been broken into earlier and about $4,500 worth of property stolen. The property included two laptop computers, video games, cash, cell phones, credit cards, a prescription drug and other items.

The next day, a Waterford woman called Escalon police and reported finding possible stolen property in her daughter's room. The woman said her daughter, a 16-year-old, had befriended the 20-year old Stewart, a transient. He had given the teen the items as a gift, according to the mother.

Stewart was later located in Escalon, and officers made contact with him on Monday, Feb. 25 about 3:15 p.m. He was arrested without incident and, during questioning, confessed to the burglary. About $2,800 worth of property items were recovered. Stewart was booked at the San Joaquin County Jail on suspicion of one county of burglary. He is due for further court action at a later date.

Police also recovered the prescription drug, which had reportedly been given to a student at Escalon High by the suspect. Police said they will seek additional charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and providing a controlled substance against Stewart.

On Wednesday, Feb. 27, Officer Matt Price initiated an investigation into the reported molestation of a 14-year-old girl by an adult male. During the investigation, Officer Price determined that the girl had been involved in a year long relationship with a man identified as Cesareo Gonzalez. During August 2007, when Gonzalez was living in Escalon, he had sexual relations with the teen, according to police, and admitted to the relationship when questioned.

He was booked at San Joaquin County Jail on suspicion of one count of child molestation. He was being held on $75,000 bail pending arraignment, which was slated for Tuesday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m. in Manteca Court.