Suspected Escondido serial flasher jailed

Authorities say Hector Santa Maria Toledo exposed himself to schoolgirls and a woman in recent weeks

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 49-year-old Escondido man named Hector Santa Maria Toledo has been arrested and jailed on suspicion of exposing himself to schoolgirls and a woman in the Escondido area over the past several weeks. The victims reported the incidents to school officials and police, leading to Toledo's arrest on charges of annoying or molesting a minor and indecent exposure.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of public indecency and the need for vigilance in protecting minors and the broader community from such predatory behavior. The swift action by the victims and law enforcement in this case may help prevent further incidents and send a strong message that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated.

The details

According to police, Toledo is suspected of flashing underage victims while seated in a parked white car near Orange Glen High School on the mornings of January 14 and February 2. The victims photographed the vehicle and license plate and reported the incidents to school officials. On February 4, a woman reported a similar incident where she was the victim of indecent exposure while walking through a parking lot in Escondido on December 18. Toledo was subsequently arrested and booked into county jail on $110,000 bail.

  • On January 14, Toledo allegedly exposed himself to schoolgirls near Orange Glen High School.
  • On February 2, Toledo allegedly exposed himself to schoolgirls near Orange Glen High School.
  • On December 18, Toledo allegedly exposed himself to a woman in a parking lot in Escondido.
  • On February 4, the woman reported the December 18 incident to police.
  • On February 13, Toledo was arrested and jailed.

The players

Hector Santa Maria Toledo

A 49-year-old Escondido resident who is suspected of exposing himself to schoolgirls and a woman in recent weeks.

Escondido Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that investigated the incidents and arrested Toledo.

Orange Glen High School

The high school near where Toledo allegedly exposed himself to schoolgirls.

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What they’re saying

“'The victims photographed the vehicle and license plate and promptly reported the incident to school officials.'”

— Lt. Ryan Hicks, Escondido Police Department (timesofsandiego.com)

“'The suspect is believed to have committed additional indecent-exposure offenses within the city of Escondido.'”

— Lt. Ryan Hicks, Escondido Police Department (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

Toledo is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday afternoon. Police are asking any other victims to come forward and contact Detective Moe Santini.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to address public safety concerns, particularly when it comes to protecting minors from predatory behavior. The swift action taken by the victims and police in this instance may help prevent further incidents and send a strong message that such criminal acts will not be tolerated.