(FOX40.COM) A months-long investigation led to the arrest of a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy on Tuesday, after authorities received allegations related to on-duty sexual assault misconduct, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.
SCSO said a person who was arrested reported that an on-duty deputy was engaging in sexual acts with women in Hughson back in March.
An investigation was launched by the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit to verify claims, find the potential victim and retrieve evidence.
According to SCSO, 30-year-old Deputy Israel Morales, a resident of Hughson, was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on a $1.3 million bail.
Morales has been a deputy with SCSO since June 2018 and was stripped of peace officer powers on May 6.
His charges include:
- Two felony counts of forced oral copulation by a public official involving two adult female victims
- One felony count of oral copulation by force involving an adult female
- One felony count of forced oral copulation during the commission of an aggravated kidnapping
- One felony count of aggravated kidnapping involving one adult female
- Multiple counts of solicitation of prostitution
“The actions detailed in this case represent a serious breach of public trust and are completely contrary to the values and professional standards upheld by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office,” said the sheriff’s office. “We remain firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of ethical conduct.”
Officials confirm they will not be releasing additional information out of respect for the victim’s confidentiality.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jorge Perez at 209-567-4466 or Crime Stoppers at 866-602-7463.
