Full Notification

On Monday, February 21, 2022, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Turlock Police Department Detectives arrested 60 year-old Kenneth Steven Tharp, resident of Turlock, after receiving a child pornography Cyber Tip on January 26, 2022.  This tip was investigated by a High Tech Crimes Detective which led her to the identity of the individual who uploaded images to an internet based application.   
 
Tharp was contacted, via telephone, and agreed to meet Detectives at the Turlock Police Department.  Detectives interviewed and arrested him at the Turlock Police Department. 
 
Tharp is facing two separate felony child pornography charges; possession of child pornography and the possession of over 600 images, of which, included prepubescent females engaging in sexual activity.  There were no local victims identified during this investigation. 
 
Detective Giovacchini said, “We are leveraging technology and working hard to stop child exploitation in Turlock.”
 
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation to call Detective Gina Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539.  You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at [email protected]. 
 
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program.  Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward. 
 
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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Michael Parmley.
Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7345
Email – [email protected]