A man allegedly in possession of child pornography was arrested after reportedly being discovered trying to meet with an 11-year-old, the Los Banos Police Department (LBPD) announced last week.
Law enforcement said it was notified of a local adult male who was attempting to arrange a meeting with the 11-year-old child. Los Banos police began investigating the matter and learned the suspect was also linked to referrals from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
During the investigation, detectives determined that internet accounts associated with the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Joe Flores, had been used to upload and possess child sexual abuse material, police said. A search warrant was served.
On June 30, Flores was taken into custody. Flores was arrested on suspicion of possession of child sexual abuse material, as well as sentencing enhancements for possessing more than 600 images or 12 videos depicting child sexual abuse material.
Flores is being held at the Merced County Main Jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond.
The LBPD encourages parents and community members to report suspected child exploitation, online grooming, attempts to meet minors or the sharing of child sexual abuse material.
Los Banos police said prompt reporting can help protect children and prevent further victimization.
