An 18-year-old Kerman man was arrested Thursday following an investigation into the alleged online exploitation of juveniles, the Kerman Police Department said.

Ulises Sanchez-Casillas was booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges including possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material, sending harmful matter to a minor, and contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense.

Kerman police detectives began following up Thursday on a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding suspected online child exploitation.

Detectives, assisted by the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence in the 14000 block of E Street in Kerman.

During the investigation, detectives developed information alleging Sanchez-Casillas had engaged in sexually explicit conversations with juveniles and shared inappropriate images with them, police said.

Detectives contacted Sanchez-Casillas at the residence and seized electronic devices believed to be connected to the investigation. The devices will undergo forensic examination.

Sanchez-Casillas was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail.

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The investigation remains ongoing.

Police said investigators later developed additional information indicating Sanchez-Casillas may have had contact with minors. Detectives believe there could be additional victims who have not come forward or who may be hesitant or afraid to report their experiences.

Anyone with information about the investigation or who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact Detective Ruiz at (559) 550-1459.

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