Couple allegedly dragged 11-year-old around on dog leash, starved her, and forced her to sleep in unheated garage

SALIDA, Calif. (TCN) -- A couple is in custody in connection with the alleged abuse and torture of an 11-year-old girl, authorities say.

On March 16, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 36-year-old Anthony Machuca and 37-year-old Priscilla Mestaz. In January, deputies had responded to a report from an 11-year-old girl who said she refused to go home because her aunt — Mestaz — was allegedly abusing her. The victim, whose name has not been released, was found by investigators to have been in the custody of Mestaz and her partner, Machuca, since 2024. 

They were identified as suspects and were arrested and charged with 27 felony and misdemeanor counts relating to the alleged treatment of the child. Charges include torture, conspiracy to commit torture, child endangerment under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death, and assault with a deadly weapon, according to the sheriff’s office.

The investigation found that the alleged abuse had gone on between January 2025 and January 2026. Surveillance cameras obtained by authorities during an execution of a search warrant corroborated what the victim had disclosed in interviews, according to the sheriff’s office. It was found that the victim lived mainly an unheated garage and backyard; the garage had not been converted into a living space, so she was exposed to unsafe temperatures all year long. 

In addition to unsafe living arrangements, Machuca and Mestaz allegedly strangled, punched, and slapped the child, dragged her around on a dog leash, withheld food leading to malnutrition, and forced her to exercise to the point of exhaustion. 

According to the sheriff’s office, Machuca was arrested when officers initially made contact with the couple at the residence earlier this year. Mestaz was pregnant at the time and was arrested after giving birth on March 12. The newborn and a 4-year-old were taken into protective custody.

According to the sheriff’s office, Mestaz has served as child and family services case manager with a local organization.

Both Machuca and Mestaz are in jail on $1 million bail. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. 

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