On December 2, 2024, the Citrus Heights Police Department received a report of a possible sexual assault involving a substitute teacher, 58 year-old Ricky Anthony Linan, employed at an after-school care program, called Discovery Club, within the San Juan Unified School District.
Police launched an immediate investigation into the allegations in collaboration with the San Juan Unified School District and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Linan was promptly placed on administrative leave and removed from contact with students during the investigation.
Following an extensive investigation, Citrus Heights detectives uncovered evidence related to the crime, which resulted in additional minor victims that were identified.
This morning, detectives arrested Mr. Linan at his residence. He is currently being held at the Sacramento County Main Jail on $1.7 million dollars bail for violation of multiple counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and possession of child pornography.
Citrus Heights detectives, in partnership with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and the San Juan Unified School District, are working closely with the victims and their families to provide support during this tragic and challenging time.
“Children are among the most precious and vulnerable members of our society, and it is our duty to protect them from those who seek to exploit their innocence. A violation of this type, by a trusted adult is reprehensible and simply heartbreaking, said Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte. I am proud of the dedication of our investigators, in partnership with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and the San Juan Unified School District, who thoroughly investigated these allegations and continue to press forward to bring these victims justice.”
The Citrus Heights Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying any additional minors who may have been in contact with Mr. Linan, either in the school setting or any other environment where he had access to children.
To protect the integrity of the investigation and evidence collection, and to avoid jeopardizing any future potential cases, we request that parents who strongly suspect their child may be a victim contact our investigators before discussing the situation with their child. Our team, in collaboration with the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office, can provide guidance on how best to approach such conversations in a safe and non-suggestive manner, ensuring the investigation remains unaffected.
For assistance, or to provide information, please contact CHPD Detectives at (916) 727-5524 and reference the Mr. Linan case to speak with investigators.