Half a continent away from Santa Maria, after skipping a Sept. 1 court date related to allegations of lewd acts with a minor, Clive Decomarmond was arrested in Texas on Sept. 5.
After Decomarmond failed to show up for the start of his scheduled jury trial, a felony no-bail warrant was issued for his arrest. According to a press release from the Santa Maria Police Department, Decomarmond’s failure to appear confirmed the department’s fears that the man—originally from the Seychelles Islands—was a flight risk due to his double citizenship.
In 2012 and 2013, the Santa Maria Police Detective Bureau became aware of several allegations of child molestation against Decomarmond, now age 41. The department began investigating and identified five separate alleged victims, ranging from 11 to 16 years old. According to Chris Nartatez, a Santa Maria Police Department watch commander, Decomarmond was arrested and posted bail once—after which new alleged victims were discovered, and he was arrested again less than a week later.
After his second arrest, Decomarmond was once again allowed to post bail. Santa Barbara County Deputy District Attorney Brandon Jebens told the Sun that he argued against the ruling, which was made by a visiting county judge.
When asked if there was a legal reason Decomarmond was allowed to post bail a second time, Jebens responded, “Not that I can fathom.” Jebens said that his frustration with the judge’s ruling was compounded by the reality that the bail should have been set at $1 million, but was reduced to $750,000.
Details regarding the arrest itself as well as his detention weren’t released before the Sun went to press on Sept. 9. Decomarmond’s extradition hearing was scheduled for Sept. 9, after which he’ll be transferred to the Central Coast, where he’s slated for a cell in the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Decomarmond’s defense attorney, Catherine Swysen, couldn’t be reached for comment as of press time.
This article appears in Sep 11-18, 2014.