Visalia Fire employee arrested for child pornography, police say
VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Visalia Fire Department employee was arrested on Wednesday after he was found to be allegedly possessing and exchanging child pornography, the Visalia Police Department said.
Police say detectives from the Youth Services Unit served an arrest warrant for Ignacio Ruiz, an engineer with the Visalia Fire Department, on Wednesday at 3 p.m. after they received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Officers say the investigation revealed that Ruiz had exchanged and possessed child pornography. Several warrants were served before his arrest, leading to his identification.
Upon taking Ruiz into custody, police say a search warrant was conducted at his home with the assistance of the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce and Homeland Security.
Detectives there is no evidence as of Wednesday of any crimes occurring while Ruiz was performing his duties with the Visalia Fire Department. This is an ongoing investigation. Digital forensic evidence will be further examined as it progresses.
The Visalia Fire Department Fire Chief Dan Griswold issued a statement in the matter, saying that the department is cooperating with police and Ruiz was placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Public trust and confidence in the Visalia Fire Department is essential and this matter will be investigated as expediently as possible. It is important to allow for a thorough investigation. The Visalia Fire Department is asking for a complete and thorough investigation to determine the facts of this case. Due to this being a personnel matter, we appreciate that you understand we are not legally allowed to discuss the matter. This isolated incident is not a reflection of who we are as an agency and does not reflect the values of the Visalia Fire Department or its members.
Chief Dan Griswold.
According to officers, Ruiz was booked at the Tulare County pretrial facility under suspicion of child pornography charges.
