Undercover operation leads to 14 arrests of ‘potential sexual predators,’ Fresno deputies say

Bryant-Jon Anteola
·2 min read

Fourteen men were arrested on charges related to trying to have sex with a child.

The arrests were a result of a multi-agency, undercover sting called “Operation Boogeyman,” which was conducted from Oct. 18-20.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office released the names and ages of the suspects arrested:

  • James Barboza, 31

  • Cresenciano Cortez Merino, 39

  • Desmond Fitzgerald, 21

  • Louie Gonzalez, 41

  • Jack Hastings, 30

  • Elias Ibarra, 30

  • Sukhpreet Jassar, 57

  • Giovanni Jimenez, 29

  • Miguel Jimenez, 34

  • Sebastian Mouvangsou, 30

  • Anthony Rice, 27

  • Eliazar Sanchez, 39

  • Bryan Smith, 35

  • Alonzo Watson, 58

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said all of the suspects were first to express their sexual desires and they initiated a time to meet with the detective posing as a child.

Despite their arrests, the majority of suspects have since posted bond, been assigned a court date and released from custody, the sheriff’s office added.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said the basis for launching the operation was because of the increased use of electronic devices and social media by children, thus the rise of the potential danger from being online more often and encountering a sexual predator.

During“Operation Boogeyman,” detectives identified, contacted and arrested anyone who may be trying to target a child for sex.

Detectives posed as preteen and early teenage old boys and girls to use technology against these predators and safeguard children.

The sheriff’s office said the suspects used sexually explicit language and sent graphic photos to the detective pretending to be a child.

No actual children were ever used or placed into danger during the operation, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office added.

Agencies involved in the operation were:

  • California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

  • California Department of Justice

  • Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

  • Fresno County Sheriff’s Office

  • Fresno County District Attorney’s Office

  • Fresno County Probation Adult Compliance Team (ACT)

  • Fresno Police Department

  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

  • Madera County Sheriff’s Office

  • Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office

  • Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC)

  • Paso Robles Police Department

  • San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office

  • Sanger Police Department

  • U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California

  • Visalia Police Department

Law enforcement is reminding the public to be vigilant when it comes to visiting websites and social media outlets.

They suggests parents should also monitor their children’s internet usage and be aware of the software apps they are using.

Online predators often pretend to be someone else in order to lure their victims in and take advantage of them, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office added.

Operation Boogeyman remains an ongoing investigation and more arrests could be made.