Merced PD Spearheads Multi-Agency Child Predator Sweep; 12 Arrested
MERCED, CA — “On March 19, 2026, and March 20, 2026, Merced Police Department Detectives, in collaboration with the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, Merced County District Attorney’s Investigators, and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, conducted an online child predator operation targeting individuals seeking to engage in illicit activities with underage children.
This coordinated, multi-agency effort resulted in the arrest of twelve (12) individuals on felony sex-related charges. Of those arrested, six (6) individuals were from Merced County, including one registered sex offender. The remaining suspects traveled from surrounding areas, including Madera County, Fresno County, San Benito County, San Joaquin County, and Tulare County.
During the operation, detectives posed as minors in online environments commonly used for social media interaction. The operation specifically targeted individuals who initiated or engaged in sexually explicit conversations with persons they believed to be underage, or who arranged in-person meetings for illicit purposes. Through proactive investigative techniques, detectives were able to identify, communicate with, and ultimately apprehend suspects who demonstrated clear intent to commit these crimes.
The Merced Police Department and its partner agencies remain committed to protecting children from online exploitation and holding offenders accountable. We want our community to be a safe place for families, and that starts with protecting our children. These operations are a critical component in safeguarding our community and preventing harm to vulnerable victims.
The Merced Police Department and its allied agencies urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to educate children about the dangers of online interactions. If you suspect online child exploitation or inappropriate communication involving a minor, please report it to law enforcement immediately.
The Merced Police Department and its partner agencies take these matters extremely seriously and will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who seek to exploit children.”
