San Diego police arrested two people on suspicion of sexually assaulting and torturing a toddler in their care, authorities said Wednesday.

The child’s mother began to suspect in January that her child was being abused and called police, Lt. Shawn Takeuchi said in a statement.

Investigators learned that the alleged abuse actually had started in October and continued for several months.

Marcos Ramirez, 27, and Vennesia Ruiz, 27, who live together in the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, were arrested Tuesday.


Ramirez was booked on suspicion of torture, sexual assault of a child under age 10, lewd and lascivious acts by force on a child and child cruelty with injury. Ruiz was booked on suspicion of child cruelty with injury.

They are being held without bail. They are scheduled to appear in court on April 6.

Takeuchi said the two had been entrusted with the care of the child. He described them as acquaintances of the mother and said no other children are believed to have been at risk from the couple.

He did not disclose how badly injured the child was or the extent of the alleged torture.