Kings Deputies arrest Hanford man and woman on charges of child endangerment

It was about 11:30 a.m. when deputies were dispatched to a residence in the city of Hanford to speak with a juvenile victim regarding a sexual assault.  After talking with the juvenile and her family, police learned that the assault had taken place at the Stardust Motel.

Deputies learned that the victim's step-mother, Laurie Lutz, had picked up the child from family members under false pretenses and took her to the motel.  Once at the motel, the juvenile was beaten with a belt by Laurie's boyfriend, Gregory Cantu, causing several minor injuries. 

Suspect Laurie Lutz

According to the sheriff’s report, Lutz eventually left the hotel room, leaving the child alone with Cantu.  The suspect, Cantu, according to deputies, made several sexual advances towards the young girl, touching her inappropriately and kissing her against her will.  Cantu, said deputies, then threatened the girl and told her not to tell anyone.

The girl was able to convince Gregory to walk with her to a nearby store.  As they were walking the juvenile ran away.

Deputies stated that Cantu was a registered sex offender and was on parole for a prior sex offense.

When Deputies attempted to contact Gregory at the motel where he tried to flee out of the room's back windows.  The suspect was ultimately taken into custody and booked into the Kings County Jail for the charges of child endangerment, lewd and lascivious act with a child under 14 and victim intimidation. Lutz was also arrested and booked into the jail for the charge of child endangerment.