Fresno Leader

Detectives from the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force have arrested a U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, Philip Rodriguez, on charges related to contacting minors for sexual purposes. The 32-year-old from Palmdale, California, was taken into custody on November 14th and later released after posting bond.

Rodriguez faces several felony charges including contacting minors for sex, possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and sending harmful matter to minors. He is expected to appear in court in Fresno County on November 25th.

The investigation began in February 2024 when ICAC detectives received a criminal report against Rodriguez. It was discovered that while working as a recruiter for the Marine Corps in Fresno, Rodriguez allegedly sent inappropriate digital images to a potential female recruit. Further investigations revealed similar behavior with two other female minors.

An arrest warrant was issued for Rodriguez who had been stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. His arrest involved coordination between ICAC detectives and members of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

Authorities are seeking additional information regarding this case and urge anyone with relevant details to contact Detective Rosario at (559) 760-6282 or visit www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Informants will remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

The ICAC Task Force comprises 66 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across nine counties in the Central Valley, focusing on protecting children online and investigating internet-facilitated crimes against them.