Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested on Charges of Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, and Misconduct
“Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested for Sexual Assault and Kidnapping
A Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested following a months-long investigation into allegations of on-duty sexual misconduct.
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, investigators arrested Deputy Israel Morales, a 30-year-old resident of Hughson. Morales was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail and is being held on $1.3 million bail.
He faces the following charges:
• Two felony counts of forced oral copulation by a public official involving two adult female victims.
• One felony count of oral copulation by force involving an adult female.
• One felony count of forced oral copulation during the commission of an aggravated
kidnapping.
• One felony count of aggravated kidnapping involving one adult female.
• Multiple counts of solicitation of prostitution.
The criminal investigation began in March when an arrestee reported to a Hughson Police Services deputy that another deputy was engaging in sexual acts with women while on duty in the Hughson area. The Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit immediately launched an investigation to verify the claims, locate potential victims, and gather evidence.
Morales, employed by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office since June 2018, was placed on modified duty and stripped of his peace officer powers on May 6, 2025. The case has been referred to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The actions detailed in this case represent a serious breach of public trust and are completely contrary to the values and professional standards upheld by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.
We remain firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Out of respect for victim confidentiality, no further identifying information will be released at this time.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at (209) 567-4466, or to remain anonymous, make a report to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME.”
