Detectives Arrest Potential Sexual Predator
September 14, 2024 – Fresno County Sheriff's Office officials report that Detectives with the Central California Internet Crimes 
Against Children (ICAC) Task Force have arrested 28-year-old Derian Gutierrez of Armona (Kings County). He has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on multiple charges related to meeting a minor for sexual purposes. His bail was set at $10,000. He has since posted bond and been released with a court date.
As part of a proactive investigation to combat the problem of people seeking out sexual relationships with children, detectives posed as teenagers and used technology to identify would-be predators. During the investigation, the suspect expressed his sexual desires and agreed to a meeting place with the detective posing as a child. In this case, Gutierrez arrived at the location and officers arrested him. No actual children were ever used or placed into danger during the investigation.
It is important to note that many "Vigilante Groups" have surfaced on social media who work on their own to engage and confront would-be child predators, however, they are not actually affiliated with law enforcement agencies. This approach is highly discouraged as we in law enforcement undergo extensive training to effectively carry out these types of investigations. Residents carrying out their own independent investigations have the potential of generating a meritless case and possibly face personal legal repercussions. Vigilante groups place themselves in danger and may also place real children in danger by tipping off a potential suspect. Court prosecutors are also unlikely to initiate cases based solely upon vigilante or non-law enforcement group investigations.
Instead, ICAC encourages that if you have any information related to sexual predators, please report it to the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111, Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
ICAC is comprised of 64 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies spread throughout nine counties in the Central Valley. It is dedicated to protecting children online and investigating crimes committed against children, which are facilitated by the Internet and computer usage.
Law enforcement would like to remind the public to be pay close attention when it comes to visiting websites and social media outlets. Parents should also monitor their children’s internet usage and be aware of the software apps they are using. Parents should keep the dialogue open with their children in order to build trust. Online predators often pretend to be someone else in order to lure their victims in and take advantage of them. Teach children to be wary of the person on the other end of the chat line; many times, people are not who they say they are. Common apps used by suspects include, but are not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, Kik, MeetMe and Scout. Report any suspicious behavior right away to law enforcement or file a cyber tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. https://report.cybertip.org.
Source & photo: Fresno County Sheriff's Office
