More arrests made in Operation Baby Face
Sheriff continues child safety campaign
Nine more people were arrested recently as Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux continues cracking down on those who exploit children.
The latest arrests as part of Operation Baby Face came at the same time the sheriff launched his internet child safety campaign which is using billboards educating residents about online child predators. The eight suspects, all men including several from the Porterville area, were arrested for soliciting sex acts from juveniles in Phase IV of Operation Baby Face.
“I want the public’s attention,” he said. “Everyone needs to know that there are predators looking to prey on the innocence of our children. We will be vigilant and aggressive in identifying these predators.”
Sheriff Boudreaux has dedicated both the Cyber Crimes Unit and the Crimes against Children Unit to the protection of children in Tulare County. This is an ongoing, aggressive and vigilant effort, he stressed.
As part of Phase IV, detectives learned in February that a 14-yearold male juvenile had been solicited for sexual acts from adult males on a social media site. Detectives then created a fictitious profile in which a detective portrayed a 14-year-old male.
Adult males, ages 27 and 39, connected with the new profile online and engaged in sexually explicit conversations with the purported juvenile, agreeing to meet him for various sexual acts Feb. 14. Upon arrival at the agreed location, the suspects were arrested and booked in jail on felony charges.
Those facing charges are: Brock Pearson, 39, of Springville and Fernando Chavez, 27, of Dinuba.
Also as part of Phase IV, on Feb. 25, another operation was put in place in Visalia — this time targeting 17 identified in-state suspects who were seeking sexual contact with the 14-year-old female decoy. She advised them that she was visiting another 14-year-old friend while her parents were out of town. The suspects and the decoy discussed meeting at this residence for the purpose of performing sexual acts. Three of the suspects discussed having the other juvenile also participate in the sex acts.
Those now facing charges are:
Javier Hernandez, 22, Porterville. Benjamin Lopez herrera, 23, Delano. Hector Ornelas, 24, Avenal.
Jonathon Hernandez, 25, Porterville. Steven Albertson, 27, Visalia.
Raymond Lopez, 52,
San Pablo. Michael Farias, 19, of Exeter.
Bail for the suspects ranged from $100,000 to $150,000. The sheriff noted that Raymond Lopez brought each of the 14-year-olds multiple pieces of Victoria’s Secret clothing, body lotions and bath sprays as well as alcohol.
Operation Baby Face was announced in August when the Sheriff’s Office took down a human trafficking ring in Tulare County, arresting three primary suspects and 12 co-conspirators for sexually exploiting 23 juveniles and 29 adults.
That has led to other phases and more arrests, but Phase V is targeted at preventing children from being victims.
The Sheriff’s Internet Child Safety Campaign follows the three E’s: Engage, educate and enforce.
The campaign is multi-faceted: Community liaison will meet with service groups to give a Powerpoint presentation about the dangers children face online from predators; A School Resource Officer is scheduling presentations at schools in Tulare County to educate children about what not to share online and who to avoid; billboards will rotate through Tulare County at multiple locations warning of stranger danger online and public service announcements air on local radio stations.
The sheriff said his department will engage with parents and children in Tulare County through presentations at service groups, classroom presentations, parent presentations, information pamphlets, billboards, public service announcements and investigations such as Operation Baby Face.
The goal is to educate parents and children about what children are doing online that could leave them vulnerable to predators, how predators pursue their victims and what to do if anyone falls victim.
The Sheriff’s Office will enforce the laws to protect the innocence of Tulare County children.
Sheriff Boudreaux asks that parents do their part to keep their children safe.
“Talk to your children,” he said. “You are the parents. Look at what your children are doing online. Be a concerned and protective parent.”
Engage your children and know what they are doing.
Educate your family about the dangers of the internet.
Enforce the rules and hold your children accountable.
“Speak to your children,” he said. “Ask the difficult questions.”
Contact law enforcement if you discover anything suspicious or need advice.
“We are here for you,” Sheriff Boudreaux said.