Visalia Police Arrest Hanford Resident for Suspected Online Targeting of Minor
VISALIA, CA — On January 13, 2026, the Visalia Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit initiated an investigation following a report from a 15-year-old minor. According to law enforcement officials, the minor was contacted on Instagram by an individual seeking to arrange a meeting for sexual activity. The report further stated that the individual requested the transmission of nude and other inappropriate images through the social media platform.
Following the initial report, detectives identified the suspect as 19-year-old Jossue Penaloza, a resident of Hanford, California. On February 13, 2026, Penaloza was taken into custody by law enforcement officers without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility. Legal records indicate that Penaloza faces charges under Penal Code 288.3(a) for contact with a minor for sexual offenses and Penal Code 311.11(a) for possession of child sexual abuse material.
The Visalia Police Department has stated that the investigation remains active, as detectives suggest there may be additional victims involved. Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact Detective D. Nelson at (559) 734-8116. For those who wish to provide information while remaining anonymous, the department maintains a dedicated tip line at (559) 713-4738. In light of the arrest, the department issued a statement advising parents and guardians to monitor the social media communications and online activities of minors. Law enforcement officials emphasized that individuals who attempt to exploit minors through digital platforms will be pursued and held accountable under the law.
