Man Held in L.A. on Molestation Charges Lived in Ventura Motels

Ventura police are investigating whether a local construction worker arrested on several counts of child molestation in East Los Angeles last week might have victimized any local children.

Joel William Estes, 50, who had lived in Ventura motels for the last five months, was arrested April 4 as a result of a child pornography sting by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles. He remains in custody in lieu of $1-million bail.

“Anytime you have somebody associated with any type of crime against children who lives in your area, you want to at least let the public know,” said Ventura Police Det. Tom Mendez.

Prior to Estes’ arrest, Ventura police had information that the man may have been involved in similar crimes in Washington state, but had no probable cause to arrest him, Mendez said.

According to Ventura police, Estes would use small gifts such as cash and CDs to form friendships with his young victims. He would then allegedly manipulate them into engaging in sexual acts.

Citing an ongoing investigation, Los Angeles County Deputy Dist. Atty. Steven Katz would only say that the criminal complaint involved a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly abused between April 2002 and the date of Estes’ arrest.

Estes, who police said also goes by the name of Joe William, is described as a white male, 6 feet 2, 285 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He drove a green Toyota Prius, license plate number 4TJ775, authorities said.

Anyone with information about Estes is asked to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4477 or 339-4441.