Full Notification

Turlock, Ca – On February 20, 2024, Turlock Police Department received a call from a school employee who wanted to report a suspicious incident involving a minor student and an unknown adult male. The reporting party stated they witnessed an unknown adult male handing food and clothing to the student near the school’s perimeter fence. After speaking with the student, school staff immediately called police to investigate. The officer’s investigation identified the adult male as Rene Ledezma, a 52-year-old Modesto resident, and a Turlock Transit bus driver.
 
Detectives contacted Turlock Transit and confirmed that Ledezma was a contracted employee hired to drive Turlock Transit buses. At the conclusion of Ledezma’s work shift, Detectives met with and arrested Ledezma without incident.
 
A preliminary search of the victim and Ledezma’s cellphones revealed evidence of an inappropriate conversations between the two. Ledezma was subsequently booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for contacting a minor with intent for sex and attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a child.
 
At this time, there is no evidence of any other victims. As the City of Turlock contracts for transit operations and management services, all questions regarding Ledezma’s employment will be referred to Storer Transit Systems. Per Storer Transit Systems, Ledezma has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of an investigation.
 
“Because a school employee felt that something inappropriate was taking place and reported it, Turlock Police were able to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the student.  This is yet another example of ‘See something-Say something’ working”, stated Detective Urban. 
 
The Turlock Police Department ask that anyone with information, call Detective Urban at (209) 668-6571.  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 or (866) 602-7463 and you may be eligible for a cash reward.  You can also leave an anonymous tip online at www.stancrimetips.org or by texting “StanCS” to 738447.  The P3 app is also available for download for Apple and Android devices.
 
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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Public Affairs Analyst Dominique Sanchez.

Any media requests should contact:
Public Affairs Analyst Dominique Sanchez
Turlock Police Department
Office phone – (209) 656-3148
Email – [email protected]