NCMEC Operation Results: 12 Arrests in Child Exploitation Investigations 

July 30, 2026 – Modesto Police Department officials report that over the past several months, the Modesto Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit conducted extensive investigations into reports received through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline involving suspected child exploitation. Investigators reviewed CyberTip reports and those investigations led to:

• 12 residential search warrants served
• 12 arrests
• 5 victims identified
• 3 firearms recovered, including one confirmed stolen firearm
• 1 was case submitted to the District Attorney for filing consideration

The individuals arrested are listed in the accompanying slides.

Common charges explained:

PC 311.11(a) – Possession or control of child sexual abuse material.

PC 311.1(a) – Distribution, transportation, advertising, or exchange of child sexual abuse material.

Additional charges in this operation include allegations involving child molestation, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, sexual battery, invasion of privacy, receiving stolen property, carrying a concealed firearm, and other related offenses.

These investigations reflect the Modesto Police Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting children, identifying victims, and holding offenders accountable through proactive investigations and strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.

We thank the Oakdale Police Department and the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force for their invaluable assistance throughout this operation.

The following individuals were arrested:

Antonio Mayorga, 27
David Colombo, 50
Marcial Chavous, 34
Joseph Moreno, 20
James Pottruff, 18
Rian Howitz, 22
Marcos Deras, 20
Francisco Deras, 44
Kevin Hornback, 41
Victor Jimenez, 34
Nicholas Sukhu, 31
Aerik Hayes, 25

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: Modesto Police Department