Full Notification

Petaluma Police Department 
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 
Saturday, November 14, 2026

Issued by: Sergeant Ryan McGreevy, Petaluma PD, 707-778-4415, [email protected]. 

Martial Arts Instructor Arrested for Lewd Acts with Juveniles

Incident Summary:
 
In January 2026, the Petaluma Police Department received a report of a sexual assault involving a 13-year-old victim, and the suspect, Luis Menjivar Chicas (age 48, Petaluma).
 
During the investigation, it was discovered that Santa Rosa Police Department had initiated their own investigation in 2024 with similar circumstances. Two additional victims reported sexual assaults by Chicas over multiple years while they were juveniles living in Santa Rosa. In 2024, there was not enough evidence to proceed with criminal prosecution.
 
In April 2026, the Petaluma Police Department received an additional report, from a separate family, alleging Chicas conducted similar violations upon two additional juvenile victims over multiple years. In each of these reports, the victims described that Chicas was renting a room in their family residence.
 
The three related investigations were completed and forwarded to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. A felony warrant was later issued for Chicas’ arrest for the following charges:
 
288(c)(1) PC x2          Lewd acts w/ children
220(a)(2) PC               Assault w/ intend to commit a felony upon a juvenile
288.5(a) PC x2            Continual sexual abuse of a child under age 14
288(b)(1) PC               Lewd acts w/ a child by force or fear
288(a) PC x5               Lewd acts w/ a child under age 14
 
On 11/14/26, PPD officers, with knowledge of Chicas’ arrest warrant, observed him driving. Officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested Chicas for his warrant without incident. He was later booked into the Sonoma County jail. His warrant carried a bail of $250,000.  
 
During the investigation, it was learned that Chicas was a martial arts (Taekwondo) instructor. Investigators are working to determine if Chicas is actively instructing students.
 
This is an active investigation. The Petaluma Police Department is asking community members that have direct knowledge of these incidents to contact PPD Detective Carlos Ramirez at 707-234-4540 or email at [email protected].
 
Information directly related to Santa Rosa Police Department’s investigation (SR24-6822) can be directed to their DVSA unit at 707-543-3595.
 
Media inquiries can be directed to PPD Sergeant Ryan McGreevy at (707) 778-4415.