Cayucos man arrested for holding woman captive

A Cayucos man was arrested in Fresno County after a woman he was traveling with flagged down a motorist and said she was in danger. 

Domestic Violence detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrested 52-year-old Jonathan Riester.

His bail is set at $35,000.

Jonathan Riester

On December 18th, a woman flagged down a motorist for help along Hwy. 168 near Shaver Lake. The woman explained to the driver she was in danger and wished to be taken to a safe location. The citizen drove into the town of Shaver Lake and dropped her off at a business. An employee there noticed she had injuries and contacted the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy responded and contacted the woman. She explained that she was staying in a travel trailer with a man, later identified as Jonathan Riester. Fearing for her life, she escaped the trailer and sought help from anyone who may be driving along the highway. The deputy was unable to gather specific details about how she suffered her injuries, so he made arrangements to have her taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Arrangements were later made for her to receive services due to being a victim of domestic violence.

Detectives took over the investigation and were eventually able to interview the woman. They learned she had been in a verbal and physical abusive relationship for several years, which became progressively worse. 

She had sought out victim services in the past, but would ultimately continue her relationship with Riester. During their time together, they primarily lived in a travel trailer and would move to different locations. Riester controlled every aspect of her life, held her captive and continuously beat her.
Once detectives identified Riester, a warrant was issued for his arrest. On January 4th, rangers with the U.S. Forest Service located Riester and his trailer parked near Fish Camp. Rangers arrested Riester. He was turned over to sheriff’s detectives and booked into the Fresno County Jail.

On January 9th, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office formally charged Riester and was arraigned in court for multiple felony counts of domestic violence and false imprisonment with violence.

Anyone with additional information about Jonathan Riester is asked to please contact Detective Markus Silva at (559) 600-8225 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case # 22-15114.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are free services available in Fresno County. For a list of programs, visit: https://www.domesticshelters.org/help/ca/fresno