May 25, 2023 - Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials report that at about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Deputies were called to a residence in Dinuba for a report of possible child molestation. When they arrived, they learned a family member had discovered an adult male in her 12-year-old granddaughter’s bedroom.

Detectives were called to the scene and took over the investigation. They learned the juvenile victim met the suspect online where he portrayed himself to be a 14–16-year-old juvenile. The suspect had driven to the victim’s home where he had forced the victim to engage in sexual acts with him.

The suspect fled the area but was located at a gas station in Shafter by the Sheriff’s CATTCH Team (County Apprehension Team Tracking Criminals in Hiding), with assistance from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Shafter Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol.

The suspect, 26-year-old Genaro Almanza Morales, III, was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Adult Pre-Trial Facility and charged with eight counts of child molestation.

This is still an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Esmeralda Ramos or Sergeant Jessica Zendejas with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559) 725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.

Source & photo: Tulare County Sheriff's Office