A multi-agency online predator operation led by Turlock police resulted in 13 arrests of people accused of attempting to engage in illegal activity involving minors.
TURLOCK, Calif. — A multi-agency operation targeting people accused of attempting to exploit children online resulted in 13 arrests, according to the Turlock Police Department.
The operation focused on individuals allegedly seeking to engage in illegal activities involving underage children. Police said four of the people arrested are from Turlock, while the others traveled from communities including Modesto, Atwater, Ceres, Fresno, Merced, Oakdale, Stockton and San Francisco.
Twelve suspects were booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center, while one was booked into the Sacramento County Jail. Police said one of those arrested was a registered sex offender.
“Every arrest represents someone who intended to exploit a child,” Turlock Police Captain Miguel Pacheco said in a statement. “These operations are about identifying those individuals before they have the opportunity to harm a victim.”
The operation was conducted with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Sacramento County Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, California Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, California Highway Patrol, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and several other local law enforcement agencies.
Turlock police said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible.
Officials said parents and guardians should talk with children about online safety, monitor the apps and platforms they use, and report suspected child exploitation to law enforcement.
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