Madera County Operation 'To Catch a Predator' Yields 5 Arrests

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 7 months ago on

January 27, 2025

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with local law enforcement, announced Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, the arrest of five suspects during a three-day operation targeting online sexual predators in Madera County. (Madera County Sheriff's Office)

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in partnership with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol, announced Monday the results of Operation “To Catch a Predator,” the California Department of Justice said in a news release.

The operation, aimed at targeting sexual predators using the internet to exploit minors, resulted in five arrests.

The three-day operation, which ended on Jan. 18, involved the California Department of Justice’s Fresno Human Trafficking Sexual Predator Apprehension Team, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and CHP.

“The exploitation of children will not be tolerated in California,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “The National Center of Missing and Exploited Children and the FBI estimate there are 500,000 online predators active each day.”

During the operation, undercover agents posed as minors on social media platforms and websites used by predators.

The suspects, after being identified, were arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail.

The suspects face charges relating to contacting a minor for sexual purposes and meeting with a minor for sexual purposes.

The Madera County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the cases.

Got a Tip?

For assistance or resources related to human trafficking, individuals can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit oag.ca.gov/victimservices.

In case of immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

International Rapper Derrick ‘Aesop’ McElroy Who Called Fresno Home Dies at 51

DON'T MISS

Trump Administration to Vet Immigration Applications for ‘Anti-Americanism’

DON'T MISS

Texas Republicans Approve Trump-Backed Congressional Map to Protect Party’s Majority

DON'T MISS

Fresno County Authorities Seek Suspect in Casino Assault

DON'T MISS

Poll: California Dems Favor Newsom Over Harris in 2028 Matchup

DON'T MISS

‘Moral Conflict’ Drives Dem Doubts About Newsom’s Redistricting Plan

DON'T MISS

Fresno Animal Center at Critical Capacity After Receiving Over 100 Dogs

DON'T MISS

Fresno Police Arrest Two SoCal Men in Homicide Investigation

DON'T MISS

Fresno Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing of 31-Year-Old Man

DON'T MISS

Tulare County Sheriff Adds Goshen Teen to Most Wanted List

UP NEXT

Trump Administration to Vet Immigration Applications for ‘Anti-Americanism’

UP NEXT

Texas Republicans Approve Trump-Backed Congressional Map to Protect Party’s Majority

UP NEXT

Fresno County Authorities Seek Suspect in Casino Assault

UP NEXT

‘Moral Conflict’ Drives Dem Doubts About Newsom’s Redistricting Plan

UP NEXT

Fresno Animal Center at Critical Capacity After Receiving Over 100 Dogs

UP NEXT

Fresno Police Arrest Two SoCal Men in Homicide Investigation

UP NEXT

Fresno Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing of 31-Year-Old Man

UP NEXT

Tulare County Sheriff Adds Goshen Teen to Most Wanted List

UP NEXT

Lemoore Union Elementary Reaches Settlement Over Disability Discrimination Allegations

UP NEXT

Wired Wednesday: Why Is Pismo’s Manager in ICE Detention?

Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.