Salida couple plead not guilty in child torture case. DA plans new charges
A Salida couple accused of torturing an 11-year-old girl over the course of a year pleaded not guilty Thursday as prosecutors said they plan to file additional charges in the case.
Priscilla Michelle Mestaz, 37, and Anthony Rudy Machuca, 36, entered pleas of not guilty in Stanislaus County Superior Court and waived formal arraignment.
Deputy District Attorney Vita Palazuelos told the court that prosecutors intend to file an amended complaint that will include additional counts .
“The investigation is not complete, but we do anticipate having it completed in the next couple of weeks,” Palazuelos said.
Judge David Hood kept bail at $1 million for each defendant.
The case was continued to April 14 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 9 for an early case management conference.
Mestaz is represented by public defender Neil Zientek, while Machuca is represented by private defense attorney Preciliano Martinez.
The charges stem from allegations that the couple subjected an 11-year-old girl — identified in court documents as Mestaz’s niece — to prolonged physical and psychological abuse between January 2025 and January 2026.
Authorities allege the child was forced to live primarily in a garage without insulation, heating or bedding and was subjected to repeated physical abuse and extreme punishments.
According to prosecutors, the abuse included forcing the child to perform strenuous exercises to exhaustion, withholding food, and making her remain outdoors in cold or inclement weather. Court documents also allege she was forced to wear a diaper and was not allowed to use the bathroom for extended periods.
Machuca is accused of striking the child with a hammer and strangling her with a dog leash. Mestaz is accused of choking, hitting and striking the child with a bathroom door.
The case came to light Jan. 31 when deputies responded to a report that a child refused to return home and reported ongoing abuse. A forensic interview later revealed long-term abuse, authorities said.
Machuca was arrested that day. Mestaz was taken into custody March 12 after giving birth, according to authorities.
Two other children — the newborn and a 4-year-old — were taken into protective custody. Prosecutors have said the criminal case involves abuse of the 11-year-old only.
As Machuca was escorted out of the courtroom Thursday, a family member in the gallery shouted, “Stay strong.” The same person then called out, “Stay strong, Priscilla. We love you,” as Mestaz was led out.
The individual declined to comment when approached after the hearing.
After the hearing, Christina White — who identified herself as the victim’s aunt and Mestaz’s estranged sister — said she attended court in support of the alleged victim.
White said she has been estranged from Mestaz for about 15 years and believes her niece should receive justice. “I fully stand by my niece,” White said. “I feel no pity, and I really hope that justice is served on both parties.”
White said hearing details of the case has been “haunting” and described the allegations as “grotesque.”
A criminal protective order remains in place requiring both defendants to have no contact with the alleged victim.
