George Lopez has become the talk of his Visalia Neighborhood. He is accused of molesting two young girls.
A neighbor who didn't want to be identified said, "It's always been kind of the neighborhood rumor so we always kept our eyes open."
Neighbors didn't want to be identified because they've known Lopez for years. They say he's a high school sports referee and was always around kids.
A man who lives near Lopez said, "We've seen how he was always friendly with the kids and we're right next to a school, it's just horrible."
The victims weren't from the nearby school or involved with high school sports. Lopez was much closer than that. He was a family friend. Police say he molested the first victim, a 10-year-old girl 6 years ago. The investigation hit a dead end until a second victim came forward. A 4-year-old girl who police say Lopez molested last year.
Sergeant Amy Watkins said, "It was that report that led us to the 2006 case. Investigators re-opened that case and we were able to confirm the allegations."
Now that Lopez is behind bars, neighbors feel relieved and upset but above all else, betrayed.
A woman who lives near Lopez said, "People living right next door to you, you don't know truly how they are so...very sad."
TXT 24
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