Hollister Police: Absconded Parolee Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse
HOLLISTER, CA — “May 8, 2025– On May 5, 2025, officers from the Hollister Police Department received a report of a child allegedly being abused. During the investigation, it was learned that the alleged suspect of the assault was a man who had absconded from parole terms since October 2023. Officers were able to locate the suspect’s current whereabouts and place him under arrest for the felony warrant and additional charges.
On May 5, 2025, Officer Rayas received a report from a concerned father about his child being hit by the mother’s live-in boyfriend while the child was visiting with the mother in Hollister. The father told Officer Rayas that his child had to be taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries after being slapped in the face by “Michael,” later to be identified as Michael Rivas (38).
Officer Rayas investigated the accusations and developed enough probable cause to arrest Rivas for the child abuse allegations. While conducting this investigation, Officer Rayas learned that Rivas was a parolee released to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) program. Rivas had failed to check in with San Benito County Probation Department as a part of the terms of his release in October 2023. A warrant was issued by San Benito County Superior Court for Rivas’ arrest in November 2023.
On May 7, 2025, Hollister Police Department officers and detectives conducted surveillance at the home Rivas was suspected of living in. The surveillance team positively identified Rivas as he was leaving the residence and officers conducted a traffic stop on Rivas’ vehicle. Rivas was taken into custody without further incident for the felony warrant and felony child abuse. While being searched incident to arrest, Rivas was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. Rivas was transported to San Benito County Jail and booked.
The Hollister Police Department would like to recognize Officer Rayas’ dedication to this investigation, as well as the collaborative efforts of the other involved officers and the Detective Bureau for assisting in the arrest of Rivas. Anyone with information regarding these investigations is asked to contact the Hollister Police Department at 831-636-3130. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.”
