In a multi-agency operation spanning just three days, the Turlock Police Department and their partners successfully ensnared a dozen suspects attempting to prey on underage children online.

Arrests extended beyond the city borders and underscored the department’s effort to protect children in and out of the community, said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden.

“These arrests send a strong message that law enforcement agencies are united and relentless in the fight against child exploitation,” Hedden said. “I commend our team and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work and collaboration in protecting the youth in our community.”

The sting went into operation from March 6 to March 8, and saw law enforcement officers posing as minors and participating in online conversations, to identify individuals seeking to exploit underage children. The operation involved creating controlled environments that allowed investigators to engage with suspects while gathering incriminating evidence. Once an individual crossed legal boundaries or attempted to meet in person, law enforcement moved in to apprehend them. By employing specialized tools, close collaboration, and proactive strategies, the operation successfully targeted and arrested 12 suspects on felony charges. Additional suspects are under investigation, which may result in further arrests.

Turlock Police Detective Gina Giovacchini, who led the operation, highlighted the collaborative effort that made this operation successful.

“It takes a dedicated and highly coordinated effort to stop these predators before they can harm children,” Giovacchini said. “I want to extend my gratitude to our partnering agencies for their invaluable support in this operation. The safety of our youth is always our top priority, and this type of proactive enforcement is critical in preventing victimization.”

Of the 12 suspects arrested, three were local residents, while nine traveled from outside Turlock, some from as far as West Sacramento. All individuals were booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on various felony charges related to attempted child exploitation and related offenses.

Those arrested and their charges were:

·         Juan Jose Deanda Martinez, 41, of Tracy, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; arranging to meet with a minor for sex; and possession of a controlled substance with priors.

·         Cristian Chavarin, 29, of Modesto, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; arranging to meet with a minor for sex; possession of a controlled substance; and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

·         Jose Antonio Plascencia-Gutierrez, 38, of Modesto, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; and arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

·         Zachary Charles Eastman, 29, of Turlock, charged with attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age.

·         Michael David Garcia-Romero, 26, of West Sacramento, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; and arranging to meet with a minor for sex; and harmful matter sent with intent to seduce a minor.

·         Casey Gordon Johnson, 62, of Modesto, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; and arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

·         Harshdeep Singh, 23, of Manteca, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; and arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

·         Edgar Ulises Sanchez-Vazquez, 38, of Turlock, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; and arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

·         Claudio Antonio Soares Reis, 37, of Turlock, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; and arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

·         Andrew Nordeen Gurley, 41, of Fresno, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; arranging to meet with a minor for sex; and knowingly possessing material with sexual depictions of minors.

·         Carlos Maciel, 28, of Merced, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; and arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

·         Steven Michael Sherman, 46, of Stockton, charged with contacting a minor with the intent to have sex; attempted lewd and/or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age; arranging to meet with a minor for sex; harmful matter sent with the intent to seduce minor; and possession of a controlled substance.

This highly coordinated operation was carried out with the support of the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Sacramento Probation, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Placer County Sheriff's Office, Placer Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Yuba County District Attorney's Office, the Yuba Police Department, the Folsom Police Department, California Department of Justice (DOJ), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole Division).

The Turlock Police Department urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant and educate children about online safety. If you suspect online child exploitation, please report it 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 tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.