Press Release

Monday, January 8, 2024

PRESS RELEASE: 17 Arrested in Online Chat Operation

On January 5th and 6th, 2024, the Turlock Police Department conducted an online chat operation in the city of Turlock. The mission of this operation was to catch predators that were seeking to meet with underaged children for the purpose of sexual activity. This operation was complex in nature and involved the coordinated effort of multiple agencies and various police department units.

With the support of the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office Special Victim’s Unit (SVU), State Parole, and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Unit (SVU), officials were able to successfully arrest seventeen individuals on several felony sex-related charges. Twelve of the arrestees were local, while the remaining five were out of county residents, traveling as far as Elverta, CA. All individuals were booked into the Stanislaus County Jail with majority being held on a $500,000 bail.

This independent investigation was not related to any recent arrests or investigations.

Chief Hedden said, “This operation was the culmination of months of planning by the Turlock Police Department and cooperating agencies. I am proud of Detective Gina Giovacchini and our team for their efforts to intercept those looking to harm children in our community.”

Detective Giovacchini, who orchestrated and led the operation, said, “Thank you to our partnering agencies who took part in this operation. Without their collaborative efforts, this operation wouldn’t have been nearly as successful as it was. Their assistance helped keep our youth safe.” She continued, “Keeping our children safe from predators will continue to be my number one priority.”

The Turlock Police Department ask that anyone with information to call 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.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 or (866) 602-7463 and you may be eligible for a cash reward. You can also leave an anonymous tip online at www.stancrimetips.org or by texting “StanCS” to 738447. The P3 app is also available for download for Apple and Android devices.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/.

For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.




Back to Press Releases