Press Release

Friday, March 14, 2025

NEWS RELEASE: Turlock Police Department Arrests 12 in Online Predator Sting Operation

Turlock, CA – The Turlock Police Department, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, conducted an online chat operation from March 6-8, 2025, in the city of Turlock. This operation targeted individuals attempting to engage in illicit activities with underage children. The multi-agency effort resulted in the arrest of twelve (12) individuals on felony sex-related charges.

This highly coordinated operation was carried out with the support of the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Sacramento Probation, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Placer County Sheriff's Office, Placer Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Yuba County District Attorney's Office, the Yuba Police Department, the Folsom Police Department, California Department of Justice (DOJ), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole Division).

Of the twelve suspects arrested, three (3) were local residents, while nine (9) traveled from outside Turlock, some from as far as West Sacramento, CA. All individuals were booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on various felony charges related to attempted child exploitation and related offenses. Additional suspects are under investigation, which may result in further arrests.

Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting children, stating, “These arrests send a strong message that law enforcement agencies are united and relentless in the fight against child exploitation. I commend our team and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work and collaboration in protecting the youth in our community.”

Detective Gina Giovacchini, who led the operation, highlighted the collaborative effort that made this operation successful, saying, “It takes a dedicated and highly coordinated effort to stop these predators before they can harm children. I want to extend my gratitude to our partnering agencies for their invaluable support in this operation. The safety of our youth is always our top priority, and this type of proactive enforcement is critical in preventing victimization.”

The Turlock Police Department urges parents and guardians to remain vigilant and educate children about online safety. If you suspect online child exploitation, please report it to law enforcement immediately.

Anyone with information about the operation is encouraged to contact 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.

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