March 20, 2025 – Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office officials report that six years ago, Riley, a middle school student at the 
time broke her silence, exposing a predator operating online. Her bravery sparked a chilling investigation by detectives with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, uncovering a devastating reality: over 40 young victims, some as young as 9, had been targeted by this exploiter.
The exploiter, Daniel Salazar of Modesto, weaponized social media to exploit and manipulate these children. Using threats of violence, kidnapping, and extortion—supported by deeply personal information about their families—he inflicted prolonged torment. For some victims, this nightmare persisted for weeks; for others, months or even years.
Salazar’s crimes went beyond exploitation. He was producing and selling explicit abuse materials, spreading the suffering of these innocent lives across the U.S. and internationally to places as far away as India. Salazar was sentenced on March 10, 2025, in Fresno Federal Court to 45 years and lifetime sex offender.
If you or someone you know needs help, support is available:
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Stanislaus Crime Stoppers 866-602-7463
Text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733 (BEFREE)
Visit: humantraffickinghotline.org for more information.
Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office
