A 19-year-old Hanford man was arrested after authorities say he attempted to arrange a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he contacted on Instagram.

The investigation began Jan. 13 when a detective with the Visalia Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit was contacted by the teen, who reported being approached online by a 19-year-old man.

The teen told investigators the suspect tried to arrange a meeting for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity and requested nude and other inappropriate images, the Visalia Police Department said in a statement.

Following an investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Jossue Penaloza, 19, of Hanford.

On Friday, Feb. 13, Penaloza was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on suspicion of violating Penal Code 288.3(a), contact with a minor for sexual offenses, and Penal Code 311.11(a), possession of child sexual abuse material.

Got a Tip?

Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Nelson at (559) 734-8116. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (559) 713-4738.

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