In a significant bust carried out by local law enforcement, a 57-year-old man was arrested yesterday on charges of possessing child pornography and methamphetamine. According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Facebook post, Jose Moreno was taken into custody at his place of employment in Livingston, California.
The case against Moreno began with a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and involved a preliminary computer forensic investigation. This led to the discovery that he had posted and shared about fifty videos featuring minors, some as young as one or two years old. Moreno was arrested without incident, and a search of his home in Newman found seven ounces of crystal methamphetamine, along with evidence suggesting intent to distribute.
Investigators use their training and experience to analyze internet provider addresses and other digital clues to build cases against individuals like Moreno. While the investigation continues, no conclusive links to victims from Stanislaus County have been established so far.
Following his arrest, Moreno faces serious charges, including child pornography and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. He has been booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center, with bail set at over $50,000. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, stating, "We take this moment to remind our community we are committed to protecting those amongst us whom are clearly the most vulnerable," in the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Facebook post.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office also encourages anyone with information that might lead to further prosecutions to contact Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463, where tipsters can choose to remain anonymous. Moreover, those whose tips lead to prosecution could receive a cash reward. Keeping with the legal process, it is acknowledged that all defendants, including Moreno, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
