Turlock, Calif. – The Turlock Police Department, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, recently conducted an online predator operation targeting individuals attempting to engage in illicit activities with underage children. The operation resulted in the arrest of thirteen (13) individuals on numerous felony charges.
This operation would not have been possible without the support of the Sacramento County Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, whose coordination and partnership were instrumental to its success. Assisting in the operation were the California Department of Justice (DOJ), Sutter County District Attorney’s Office, Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, Yuba City Police Department, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole Division), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Folsom Police Department.
Of the 13 individuals arrested, four were Turlock residents while the remaining suspects traveled from communities throughout California, including Modesto, Atwater, Ceres, Fresno, Merced, Oakdale, Stockton, and San Francisco. Twelve suspects were booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center, while one suspect was booked into the Sacramento County Jail. The investigation remains active, and additional arrests may occur.
Among those arrested was a registered sex offender, highlighting the importance of proactive operations like this one to identify individuals seeking to exploit children.
“Every arrest represents someone who intended to exploit a child. These operations are about identifying those individuals before they have the opportunity to harm a victim. I’m incredibly proud of the work our detectives and partner agencies put into this operation and their continued commitment to protecting children,” said Captain Miguel Pacheco.
Detective Gina Giovacchini, who coordinated the operation, emphasized the importance of the collaborative effort.
“Every conversation intercepted is one that never reached a real child,” Giovacchini said. “Operations like this don’t happen alone. They require planning, coordination, and strong partnerships, and we’re grateful for every agency that helped make this operation possible.”
The Turlock Police Department encourages parents and guardians to talk with their children about online safety, know which apps and platforms they use, and report any suspected child exploitation to law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with information about the operation is encouraged to contact Detective 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 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 Roton.
Any media requests should contact:
Public Affairs Analyst Dominique Roton
Turlock Police Department
Office phone – (209) 656-3148
Email – [email protected]
