Gregory Scott Ray pleaded not guilty Friday to 13 counts of sex crimes against minors.
The 52-year-old Buellton man was formally charged with seven counts of oral copulation, two counts of sodomy, two counts of lewd or lascivious acts upon a child, sexual penetration by a foreign object, and sodomy by force.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s officials arrested Ray on Tuesday, April 9.
They say he used a social media app to meet and have sex with teen boys. Investigators reportedly identified three victims in the Santa Ynez Valley between the ages of 13 and 17 but say there could be others.
They reportedly began investigating Ray in March after being contacted by officials at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. Sheriff’s officials say a teacher there overheard a conversation that sparked concern and reported it to administrators.
Ray worked as an independent salesman for Friesens, a yearbook company. Friesens says it terminated his sales contract after learning of his arrest.
Ray is expected back in court on Monday and a preliminary hearing could be scheduled for later this month. He remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail with bail set at $1.2 million.
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Ray or knows of a potential victim is urged to call the sheriff’s office at (805) 681-4150. Anonymous tips can be made online or by calling (805) 681-4171.
