Lewd Acts and Child Pornography Arrest 

May 14, 2026 – Monterey Police Department officials report that on May 10, 2026, at approximately 4:00 P.M., Monterey Police Officers were dispatched to a report of lewd acts upon a child at a business in the 700 block of Cannery Row. The reporting party was the parent of two children under the age of 14. The children reported that an employee of the store had inappropriately touched them over their clothing while shopping inside the store. The family then left the store and contacted Monterey Police a short time later.

Monterey Police Officers investigated this incident, including interviewing victims and witnesses and collecting surveillance video from the area. On May 11, 2026, at 10:43 A.M., the suspect, identified as Zai Soto, 21 years old, responded to the Monterey Police Department at the request of officers. After further investigation, officers determined that there were additional crimes against children unrelated to the May 10, 2026, incident, including photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse material and criminal activity involving minors in the City of Seaside.

The Monterey Police Department coordinated with the Seaside Police Department and detectives from both the Monterey Police Department and the Seaside Police Department continued the investigation.

For the incident in Monterey, Soto was booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of 288(a) PC — lewd acts with a child under 14 years old, and 311.11(a) — possession of child pornography. Officers received a bail increase to $650,000.

This investigation remains active, and members of the public with any relevant information about this incident are urged to contact Lieutenant Ethan Andrews at (831) 646-3822. Anonymous tips may be submitted at (831) 646-3840.

Source: Monterey Police Department