GRASS VALLEY, CA – Yefri Joel Cruz-Valle, 25, of Grass Valley, was arrested on Jan. 21 following a months-long child predator investigation. He was booked into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility with a no bail enhancement for the following alleged offenses: lewd or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14 – 288(a) PC; lewd or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14 by force – 288(B)(1); oral copulation by force/fear/injury – 287(C)(2)A PC; and contacting a minor with the intent for sex – 288.3 PC.
This investigation began on Oct. 29, 2025, when a local school counselor contacted the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) to report suspected child molestation involving a juvenile female. An immediate and extensive investigation was launched by detectives of NCSO’s Major Crimes Unit.
Evidence and information obtained throughout the course of the investigation supported allegations of serious sexual misconduct. In due course, the investigation led to the positive identification of Cruz-Valle as the suspect. Detectives intercepted him on the evening of Jan. 21 at a local gym in Grass Valley where he was arrested without incident on the aforementioned charges.
This case remains active and ongoing. No information on the child or school will be provided to protect the integrity of the case and the child and family’s anonymity.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬
• Ongoing conversations about personal boundaries and safety can help children understand that they should never feel pressured to share personal information, photos, or secrets.
• Children should know they can speak up if something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, without fear of getting in trouble.
• Parents are encouraged to stay aware of who their children are communicating with, both in person and online, including social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms.
• Maintaining familiarity with a child’s devices, apps, and privacy settings can help parents better understand their digital environment.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
• Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or personality
• Increased secrecy, withdrawal, or isolation
• Fear of certain people or places
• Regressive behaviors (such as bedwetting or clinginess)
• Unexplained injuries or frequent complaints of pain
• Changes in sleep, appetite, or school performance
• Use of language or behaviors that are not age-appropriate
• Parents are encouraged to trust their instincts. If something feels off, it’s important to take concerns seriously and seek guidance or report suspicious behavior.
