Police say more people are being investigated and further arrests may happen.
TURLOCK, Calif. — A dozen arrests were made as part of a multi-agency sting operation led by the Turlock Police Department, targeting suspected online child predators.
The three-day operation, conducted from March 6 to 8 in an online chat room, resulted in 12 arrests on felony sex-related charges, including attempted child exploitation, police said.
Of the 12 people arrested, three were from Turlock, while the other nine were from other areas such as Modesto, Tracy, Merced, Stockton, Fresno and West Sacramento, police said. All of them were booked into Stanislaus County Jail.
Police said more people are being investigated, and further arrests may happen.
Law enforcement agencies from Sacramento, Stanislaus, Placer, and Yuba counties helped with the operation. The California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also assisted Turlock police.
“These arrests send a strong message that law enforcement agencies are united and relentless in the fight against child exploitation,” Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden said in a press release. “I commend our team and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work and collaboration in protecting the youth in our community.”
Police urge parents and guardians to educate their children about online safety and report any suspected child exploitation to law enforcement immediately.
Anyone who has information about the operation is urge to contact Turlock Detective Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539. The public can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
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