No Charges Are Yet Filed Against Two Men Accused of Having Sex With a Minor

Almost two weeks after the arrest of Sheriff’s Deputy Nathan Gastineau on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a minor, no charges have been filed with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office.

And no charges have been filed against 27-year-old Jason Anguiano, of Rialto, accused of having unlawful sex with the same 16-year-old girl. He is also accused possession of a dangerous weapon.

Gastineau, 30, of Redlands, was arrested about 9 p.m. April 22 after sheriff’s officials investigated an allegation that he was having an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl, investigators said.

Investigators took Anguiano into custody about 9 p.m. on April 25 on suspicion he had unlawful sex with the same girl, sheriff’s officials said. Anguiano is not a deputy and is not employed by the sheriff’s department, officials said.

Both men were freed on $25,000 bail shortly after their arrest, officials said. Gastineau is a member of the Highland Sheriff’s station that also responds to Loma Linda incidents. He has been placed on paid administrative leave.

With both suspects out of jail, investigators have time to work the case, said Susan Mickey, spokeswoman with San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office. But there is no assumption that anything will be filed, she said.

“They may or may not file,” she said. “They have to decide if they have enough evidence in the case as in any case.”

Meantime, the arrests have divided the community leaving both victim and suspects caught in the middle of a war of words. Though his identity was not revealed, a man claiming to be the victim’s father has spoken to at least two television news stations to criticize the deputy, a move that has some friends and acquaintances of both parties concerned.

One acquaintance, who asked not to be identified, called the situation a “media circus” adding that some of those who are reserving judgment are being forced to lay low for fear of becoming the targets of anger.

Most of the young teen's supporters have been careful not reveal their names.

“I hope the best for her, and if it's any consolation, she isn't alone,” wrote one Loma Linda Patch commenter.

But supporters of Gastineau, a 10-year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, have been vocal and willing to come forward.

“I’ve watched him grow,” said Dwanah Tajalle, 65, from Twentynine Palms. “His ethics, his morality is impeccable.”

She watched Gastineau grow and knew only a kind-hearted young man who always knew he wanted to be a deputy, she said.

“This man would die for a child, he wouldn’t harm a child,” she said.

Little is known about Anguiano except that he and Gastineau were part of the Inland Empire Ghostbusters, a group made of fans of the film who would make appearances and entertain crowds. The young woman was also a part of the group.