A case opened by the Manteca Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children detective has led to the arrest of a local resident after a search of his home turned up several electronic devices that investigators say may contain child sexual abuse material. Police identified the suspect as David Mendoza Gaona and said he was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on Wednesday on suspicion of violating California Penal Code sections 311.1(a) and 311.11(a). Authorities said the seized devices will be forensically examined as the investigation continues.
The Manteca Police Department said Detective Phillips of the Internet Crimes Against Children unit obtained a warrant and arrested the suspect during a residence search. Officers recovered several devices for forensic review. The case began after a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and detectives believe some material may involve victims three years old or younger. Anyone with information is asked to call (209) 456‑8101, referencing case number 25‑05439.
Search, Arrest And Evidence
Detectives executed search warrants at the Manteca residence, seizing multiple electronic devices for analysis. They also obtained information from the suspect’s internet service provider as part of the investigation. San Joaquin County provides online information about jail booking procedures.
How The Case Started
Manteca police say the investigation began after a CyberTip was forwarded to them on Tuesday by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children operates the CyberTipline, which collects reports from the public and from electronic service providers and passes relevant referrals to law enforcement for follow‑up. Those referrals frequently launch ICAC investigations in which detectives work with regional groups such as the Sacramento Valley Hi‑Tech Crimes Task Force to trace online activity and recover digital evidence.
Legal Implications
Police say Mendoza Gaona was booked on Penal Code sections 311.1(a) and 311.11(a), statutes that address the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material under California law. Those offenses can be charged as felonies and can carry prison time, fines and sex‑offender registration in many cases, with ultimate penalties depending on how prosecutors charge the case and any aggravating factors. For background on how those sections are applied, see summaries from Wallin & Klarich on PC 311.1 and from Shouse Law Group on PC 311.11.
What Comes Next
The department said the seized devices will be examined by digital forensics teams, and prosecutors will review the evidence through the San Joaquin County justice system. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Manteca Police Department at (209) 456‑8101, referencing case number 25‑05439, according to the Manteca Police Department's update.
