A Goleta man has been ordered to stand trial on multiple felony charges of child molestation and child pornography following a preliminary hearing in Santa Barbara County Superior Court this month.
Zachary A. Warburg, 31, was arrested in March 2019 on the charges leading to a criminal complaint alleging more than two dozen felony and misdemeanor charges.
The allegations include lewd and lascivious behavior with a child under 14 years old, annoying or molesting a child under 18 years old, possession or control of child pornography, attempted sexual penetration with a foreign object, contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense, and attempting to dissuade a victim or witness.
The alleged offenses occurred mainly in the spring of 2018, although some allegations date back to 2015, with victims ranging from 11 to 17 years old, according to the complaint.
A software developer, Warburg also worked as a freelance photographer, shooting breaking news such as fires and vehicle crashes. His photos of those incidents often appeared in Noozhawk before May 2018.
The investigation in the case began after a school resource deputy at San Marcos High School was notified by a student that Warburg was “attempting inappropriate communications with her of a sexual nature,” according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
Investigators uncovered several alleged instances of criminal behavior between Warburg and minor female students at local area high schools and junior highs, as well as out of the area.
During the preliminary hearing June 10-11, Judge Brian Hill ruled that there was enough evidence for Warburg to stand trial on the 25 charges — 17 felony and eight misdemeanor counts.
Deputy District Attorney Sarah Barkley led the prosecution team. Attorney Jeff Chambliss represented the defendant.
Warburg has been ordered back to court July 28 for arraignment.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.