Kraig Pakulski / Monday, May 11, 2026 / Categories: Regions, California; Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara man arrested in child sex abuse investigation SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Joshua Daniel Luft from Santa Barbara in a child sex abuse investigation. SBCSO detectives arrested the 42-year-old on April 28 after beginning their investigation exactly one month prior. SBCSO detectives received reports of lewd acts involving a juvenile female that allegedly occurred on Sunshine Lane near the Paradise Canyon area on March 28. Detectives booked Luft on felony charges, including lewd acts with a child, sexual battery and annoying/molesting a child under 18 years of age. Luft has since been released after posting a $25,000 bail, though SBCSO detectives believe additional victims associated with him may come forward. SBCSO detectives encourage those with information, or those who may have contacted Luft under the circumstances, to call the following number or visit the SBCSO website for anonymous tips. The post Santa Barbara man arrested in child sex abuse investigation appeared first on News Channel 3-12. Previous Article Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Named California Nonprofit of the Year by Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón Next Article Santa Barbara Yoga Collective Hosts a Girls’ Night Out Print 23 Rate this article: No rating Tags: Local NewsNewsSanta Barbara - South CountyTop StoriesCrime & Courts Please login or register to post comments.