Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – March 17, 2026 - The Hollister Police Department arrested a subject for exploitation of a minor over the internet and via cell phones.
On February 10, 2026, the Hollister Police Department was contacted by a representative of the group Child Safety Soldiers. This group uses adult decoys to pose as children in chat rooms and phone apps, looking for child sex predators. If an adult contacts the decoy and engages in illegal activities, the group then turns the information over to law enforcement.
Officer Zach Buzzetta initiated an investigation based on the information provided by this group and identified Kalieb Benefield (29) of Hollister as the suspect. Officer Buzzetta reviewed hundreds of text messages, photos, phone call recordings, and online chat messages between Benefield and the minor decoy. Officer Buzzetta worked with Hollister Police Detectives to develop probable cause to arrest Benefield.
The text messages, photos, phone calls, and online chats contained alleged inappropriate content.
On March 16, 2026, Hollister Police Officers stopped Benefield for an unrelated vehicle code violation. Benefield was detained, and Detective Alejandro Gaeta responded to the stop. Benefield was subsequently arrested and booked into the San Benito County Jail for violation of Penal Code section 288.2(a)(1) – sending harmful matter to seduce a minor.
The Hollister Police Department encourages all parents to speak with their children about the dangers of engaging with unknown people via online gaming, chats, phone apps, and text messages. Parents are also encouraged to randomly check their children’s phones for inappropriate texts, photos, or chats.
Due to the nature of this case, it is possible that actual minors have been in contact with Benefield. Parents who believe their children were contacted by Benefield, or anyone with additional information about this case, are encouraged to contact Officer Buzzetta at 831-636-4331.
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank the Child Safety Soldiers for bringing this information to us.
# # # #
Prepared by: Chris Wells, Sergeant
Approved by: Michael Paddy, Captain
Case # 26-0250