April 28, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in March of 2026, Merced Sheriff’s Detectives, in cooperation with the Fresno Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, began following up on a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding a suspect in possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.

During the investigation, Detectives identified the suspect as 21-year-old Daniel Lucatero Bucio of Delhi, California. Through the investigation, Lucatero-Bucio was identified as a track coach at Livingston Middle School in Livingston, California, and is currently pursuing a career in education at CSU Stanislaus.

On April 24, 2026, Merced Sheriff’s Detectives arrested Lucatero-Bucio at the CSU Stanislaus campus. He was booked into the Merced County jail for possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. At this time, there is no evidence showing that any of the children he coached were victims. This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation can contact our Detectives Bureau at 209.385.7472. Callers may remain confidential.

Source & photo: Merced County Sheriff’s Office