A California couple has been charged with numerous felony and misdemeanor offenses after authorities alleged that an 11-year-old girl suffered prolonged physical and emotional abuse while in their care.
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint against 37-year-old Priscilla Mestaz and 36-year-old Anthony Machuca of Salida, outlining 27 counts tied to the alleged mistreatment.
According to prosecutors, the abuse is believed to have occurred between January 2025 and January 2026. Investigators allege the child endured repeated acts of violence, including strangulation, punching, and slapping. Authorities further claim she was forced to sleep in an uninsulated garage without proper bedding during winter months, deprived of sufficient food, and compelled to perform intense physical exercises until exhaustion under threats of further harm.
The case came to light on January 31, 2026, when the girl reportedly refused to return home and told deputies she had been physically abused by Mestaz, whom she identified as her aunt. During subsequent interviews with detectives, the child provided additional details regarding the alleged treatment.
Law enforcement officers visited the residence and confirmed the child had been living with the couple since the summer of 2024. Authorities said surveillance cameras located both inside and outside the home appeared to support the child’s statements. Additional evidence reportedly indicated the girl spent much of her time confined to the garage and backyard areas.
Officials described the garage as an unsuitable living environment, lacking insulation, heating, and air conditioning. Investigators stated that these conditions exposed the child to unsafe temperatures.
Authorities also allege the child was at times restrained and dragged with a dog leash while being subjected to ongoing verbal abuse and threats.
Machuca was taken into custody during the initial law enforcement response. Mestaz, who was reportedly in the later stages of pregnancy at the time, was arrested on March 12 following the birth of her child.
The newborn and a 4-year-old child found in the home were placed into protective custody by county child welfare services.
Both defendants are being held on $1 million bail.
The charges include torture, conspiracy to commit torture, child endangerment likely to cause great bodily injury or death, inflicting injury on a child, assault with a deadly weapon, assault likely to produce great bodily injury, and criminal threats.
Investigators stated that the case remains active as authorities continue reviewing digital and physical evidence to determine whether additional charges may be warranted.
Officials also noted that Mestaz had been employed as a child and family services case manager for a local organization.
