Friday, 17 July 2026, 7:42
The Turlock Police Department, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, conducted a targeted online predator operation that resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals. The operation focused on intercepting adults attempting to engage in illicit activities with underage children, preventing potential harm before it could occur.
Of the 13 arrested, four were Turlock residents. 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 was booked into the Sacramento County Jail. Among those arrested was a registered sex offender, underscoring the importance of proactive operations to identify individuals seeking to exploit children.
The suspects were identified as: Vincent Bernard Hinojos Jr., 44, of Turlock (registered sex offender); Mani Karan, 38, of Turlock; Christopher Gheen, 44, of Turlock; Alex Romero, 33, of Turlock; Nathaniel Louis Gutierrez, 29, of Modesto; Juan Manuel Castilleja, 49, of Modesto; Joseph Michael Lima, 25, of Oakdale; Jordan Rogersoffield, 28, of Stockton; Carlos Gonzales, 21, of Atwater; Ryan Keith Leatherman, 42, of Ceres; Jose Omar Carrillo, 33, of Fresno; Steven Morales, 36, of Merced; and Yoni Debeule, 40, of San Francisco.
The operation involved agencies from multiple counties, including Sacramento, Sutter, Shasta, Yuba, and Stanislaus. The Sacramento County Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force provided critical coordination and technical support. The California Department of Justice, CHP, and Homeland Security Investigations also participated, reflecting a statewide commitment to combating child exploitation. Additional support came from the 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, and Folsom Police Department.
Online predator operations have become a key tool for law enforcement in California, as digital platforms increasingly facilitate illicit contact between adults and minors. Similar multi-agency stings have been conducted in recent years across the state, often resulting in multiple arrests and highlighting the ongoing threat of online child exploitation.
“Every conversation intercepted is one that never reached a real child,” said Detective Gina Giovacchini. “Operations like this don’t happen alone. They require planning, coordination and strong partnerships.” Capt. Miguel Pacheco added, “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.” The Turlock Police Department encourages parents to talk with their children about online safety and report any suspected exploitation immediately. The investigation remains active, with additional arrests possible. Anyone with information can contact Detective Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539, the department’s tip line at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6780, or email tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 or 866-602-7463.
