Stanislaus County Deputy Israel Morales, 30, from Hughson, was arrested on Tuesday, and charged with multiple crimes including sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, and solicitation of prostitution. His bail was set at $1.3 million. The charges include forced oral copulation by a public official and during aggravated kidnapping. The investigation began in March after a report that a deputy was involved in sexual acts with women while on duty, leading the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit to investigate, as stated by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office.
Morales, employed by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office since June 2018, was stripped of his peace officer powers and placed on modified duty as of May 6, pending an investigation. The Sheriff’s Office stated that Morales' actions were "completely contrary to the values and professional standards" they uphold. No further details about the victims have been released.
According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office on their Facebook page, the case has been handed over to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. They are asking for help from the community. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at (209) 567-4466 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME.
