Detectives from the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have arrested Carlos Gonzalez, a 43-year-old resident of Fresno. He faces charges of sending harmful material to a child and attempting to meet a minor for sexual purposes.
The investigation revealed that Gonzalez had contacted the minor through Kik, a messaging application that allows anonymous communication via usernames instead of phone numbers. Detectives intervened before any physical contact occurred between Gonzalez and the child.
At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez was found with an employee identification card from the Fresno Unified School District, where he was employed as a certified substitute teacher. Investigators express concerns that his position may have allowed him access to more potential victims.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the community for assistance. They encourage anyone with information related to this case or who believes they might be a victim to contact Detective Juliana Castano at (559) 369-9217. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Individuals providing tips may be eligible for a cash reward, and are asked to reference case #25-4836.
The Central California ICAC Task Force includes 66 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across nine counties in the Central Valley. The task force focuses on protecting children online and investigating internet-facilitated crimes against minors.
