Dylan Greiner
Santa Cruz Police Detectives have arrested the owner of a local surfing school for “Lewd and Lascivious Acts” with children (Penal Code Section 288(c)(1)).
Dylan Greiner (38 yrs), owner and operator of Santa Cruz Surf School was arrested late Friday night after detectives served a search warrant at his home and business.
Mr. Greiner befriended young students from his surf school. The 2 identified victims were 14 and 13 when the relationships began. He would coax with them with free surf lessons and/or employment at his business. Greiner made inappropriate sexual advances toward his victims. He also took inappropriate photographs of the victims focusing on private body parts.
On August 16, 2013, Detectives served a search warrant at Mr. Greiner’s home in the 700 block of Modesto Ave and business in the 100 block of Center Street. They seized several significant items of evidence during the search. Detectives uncovered a video collection where Mr. Greiner secretly recorded young girls changing into wetsuits in the dressing rooms at his business. They also uncovered a multitude of photographs and other video secretly recorded by Mr. Greiner where he purposely focused on breasts, buttocks and genitalia of young girls.
Information shows Mr. Greiner has been pursuing inappropriate relationships with young girls for at least the past 4 years. Mr. Greiner, now 38 was at least 19-20 years older than his known victims.
During his interview with Detectives, Mr. Greiner admitted to the above actions as well as downloading inappropriate images of young girls in the 13 and 14 year range. He also authored an apology letter to the two known victims and the community for his behavior.
Detectives believe there are more victims in the Santa Cruz area. A preliminary search of one of the computers, seized during the search warrant, showed thousands of videos secretly capturing young girls on the beach, as young as 8-10 years old. Detectives are still pouring over the multitude of dressing room and beach videos and photographs in an attempt to identify additional victims. Detectives are asking concerned parents and additional victims to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420- 5820.
Mr. Greiner was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of Lewd and Lascivious Acts with Children. Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. At the request of Detectives, Judge Gallagher approved a bail increase to $500,000. Booking photo attached.