Photo: Michael Dickens
Detectives of the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regularly monitor social media platforms in an attempt to prevent sexual crimes against children.
In one of their latest arrests, a 54-year old man arranged to meet with a 12-year old girl for sex. What he did not know was he was actually communicating with an undercover detective.
No child was ever used or placed in danger.
Detectives met the man at the predetermined location on Friday, October 30, 2020, and arrested him. He is identified as Michael Dickens of Clovis.
Dickens was an actively involved parent of the girls’ water polo clubs in Clovis and Fresno, as well as the coach of a Clovis girls’ softball team. It is possible Dickens may have had inappropriate contact with children in the past.
Lieutenant Brandon Pursell encourages anyone who thinks they may fall into this category to contact him at 559-600-8029 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867.
Dickens was booked at the Fresno County Jail for charges related to arranging to meet with a minor to engage in sex and distributing pornographic material to a child. Bail was set at $40,000.
Photo from the FCSO
