'Severely Malnourished' 11-Year-Old Abused by Couple, Kept in Garage and Dragged With Leash, Authorities Say

A Salida couple has been arrested for allegedly assaulting the woman’s niece, restraining her and dragging her using a dog leash, and strangling and punching her on multiple occasions.

During an interview with investigators, the victim disclosed physical abuse spanning an extended period of time.

On January 31, 2026, deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an 11-year-old girl refusing to return home, saying her aunt had been physically abusing her.

Deputies and detectives with the Special Victims Unit responded to the residence and contacted the aunt, 37-year-old Priscilla Mestaz, and her partner, 36-year-old Anthony Machuca.

Investigators determined the child had been in the custody of Mestaz and Machuca since the summer of 2024. The initial investigation identified both as suspects, leading to their arrest.

According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, footage from interior and exterior surveillance cameras corroborated the victim’s statements.

Investigators said the child had been living primarily in the garage and backyard. The garage was not a converted living space and lacked heating, air conditioning, and insulation, leaving the child exposed to unsafe temperatures year-round.

Machuca was taken into custody immediately, while Mestaz was not arrested at the time due to her advanced stage of pregnancy.

She was arrested on March 12 following the birth of her child. The newborn and a 4-year-old who were present at the residence were taken into protective custody by Stanislaus County Child Protective Services.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint on March 16 in Stanislaus County Superior Court, charging both defendants with 27 felony and misdemeanor counts, including torture, conspiracy to commit torture, multiple counts of child endangerment, and assault with a deadly weapon.

The abuse allegedly took place between January 2025 and January 2026. Investigators said the child appeared severely malnourished due to lack of proper nutrition and was forced to undergo strenuous physical exercise to the point of exhaustion under threat of assault.

The couple also verbally abused the child, threatening her with dire consequences if she talked back.

At the time of their arrest, detectives sought a bail enhancement, and both defendants were held in custody in lieu of $1,000,000 bail. A further investigation is being conducted to determine if additional charges will be filed.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Mestaz previously worked as a child and family services case manager — a role that involves protecting vulnerable children.