March 27, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on March 17, 2026, deputies assigned to the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station began an investigation into the sexual assault of a minor. Deputies learned the juvenile victim was communicating with the suspect via a social media platform and eventually met with the suspect in person. During the encounter, the victim was sexually assaulted by the suspect and immediately reported the assault to law enforcement. The San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station Investigations Bureau was contacted and assumed the case.

On March 23, 2026, investigators learned of a second sexual assault involving a minor. During the investigation, it was determined that the victim also met the suspect via a social media platform and was also sexually assaulted when they met in person. In both cases, the suspect identified himself as “Smiley”. Investigators identified the suspect using the name “Smiley” as Alex Anthony Gomez, a 25-year-old resident of San Jacinto.

On March 25, 2026, investigators served a search warrant in the 22000 block of N San Jacinto Avenue, San Jacinto, where Gomez was located and taken into custody without incident. Gomez was booked at the Smith Correctional Facility on multiple felony sexual assault charges related to both incidents. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.

The San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Investigator Michelle Shamhart at (951) 654-2702 or by calling Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Bryan Jauert

File # I260760103

Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office