March 16, 2025 – Modesto Police Department officials report on recent crackdown of child sexual predators.
The Modesto Police Department is committed to safeguarding children in our community and taking decisive action against 
individuals who exploit minors. Through a series of proactive investigations, the department’s Investigative Services Division has arrested 21 individuals for crimes related to child sexual exploitation, including possession and distribution of child pornography, sending harmful material to minors, and attempting to engage in sexual acts with minors.
In May 2024, the Modesto Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit, which includes Special Victims Detectives and Hi-Tech Crimes personnel, launched multiple investigations targeting individuals attempting to engage with minors for sexual purposes. These operations required specialized training from the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force.
Through undercover chatting operations, 12 individuals were identified who sent explicit images, videos, and messages to what they believed were minors. Several suspects arranged in-person meetings with the intent to commit sexual acts. In some instances, the content they sent or the acts they committed warranted charges of attempting lewd acts with a child. As a result, 12 individuals were arrested, including a registered sex offender.
The Modesto Police Department also executed a two-day operation on March 5-6, 2025, targeting individuals identified through tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC provides law enforcement with leads on individuals suspected of downloading, possessing, or sharing child sexual abuse material.
Each tip is carefully reviewed to confirm jurisdiction and determine whether a crime has occurred. This operation resulted in the execution of search warrants at fourteen locations in Modesto, leading to the arrest of eight adults and one juvenile for possession of child pornography. Among those arrested was a registered sex offender.
Sergeant Alex Rivera, who oversees the Special Crimes Unit, stated:
“The safety of our children is our top priority. These arrests send a clear message—Modesto will not tolerate child predators in our community. Our detectives worked tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice, and we will continue to use every available resource to protect our most vulnerable residents. Every arrest made in these operations is one less predator that can harm a child.”
The Modesto Police Department thanks the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force for their assistance and specialized training, which played a crucial role in these investigations.
Those arrested during the undercover chatting operations include:
May 2024 – Jeremiah Sloan, 27, of Modesto – Sent harmful material to a minor, attempted to arrange a meeting for sexual acts, and attempted lewd acts with a child under 14.
June 2024 – Dustin Mathewson, 31, of Merced – Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.
June 2024 – Curtis Casto, 63, of Euless, TX – Sent harmful material to a minor, arranged a meeting for sexual purposes.
August 2024 – Michael Anderson, 36, of Sacramento – Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.
August 2024 – James Ziarko, 46, of Fresno – Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.
August 2024 – Pedro Gil, 47, of Modesto – Attempted to molest or annoy a person he believed to be under 18.
September 2024 – Ashish Bhatia, 26, of Tracy – Sent harmful material to a minor, arranged a meeting for sexual purposes.
September 2024 – Christopher Wheeler, 43, of Angels Camp – Attempted to engage in lewd communication and sent harmful material to a minor.
October 2024 – Michael Vickerman, 52, of Modesto – Contacted a minor for sexual purposes, arranged a meeting for sex, and committed lewd acts with a child under 14. He was also found in possession of controlled substances.
October 2024 – Frank Copeland, 44, of Riverbank – Sent harmful material to a minor and attempted to engage in lewd communication.
December 2024 – Alfonso Ferrer, 37, of Oroville – Contacted a minor for sexual purposes, sent harmful material, and attempted to arrange a meeting for sexual activity. He was also found to be in violation of parole.
February 2025 – Kip Weber, 48, of Cameron Park – Attempted lewd acts with a child under 14, engaged in lewd communication with a minor, distributed harmful material to a minor, and possessed child pornography.
Those arrested during the NCMEC tip operation include:
Alvaro Avalos, 32, of Modesto – Possession of child pornography.
Jerry Villarreal, 37, of Modesto – Possession of stolen property, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession of an assault weapon.
Ricardo Huerta, 18, of Modesto – Possession of child pornography.
Aaron Ramirez-Ochoa, 21, of Modesto – Possession of child pornography.
Christian Anderson, 31, of Modesto – Possession of child pornography and multiple misdemeanor warrants.
Tyshawn Thompson, 29, of Modesto – Possession of child pornography.
Douglas Vyse, 42, of Modesto – Distribution and possession of child pornography.
Jose Alcantar, 26, of Modesto – Distribution and possession of child pornography.
15-year-old male of Modesto – Possession of child pornography
Eduardo Solorio-Flores, 25, of Modesto – Possession of child pornography.
The Modesto Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and will continue working with community partners to identify and apprehend those who seek to exploit minors.
Source: Modesto Police Department
