HUGHSON, Calif. — A 30-year-old deputy with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, Israel Morales of Hughson, has been arrested and faces serious accusations, including multiple sexual assaults, kidnapping, and solicitation of prostitution.
Morales was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on Tuesday. According to the sheriff’s office, he had been on modified duty and stripped of his peace officer powers since May 6.
The criminal investigation began in March after someone under arrest informed a Hughson Police Services deputy about another deputy allegedly engaging in sexual acts with women while on duty.
“We were notified by another individual that was completely unrelated to this investigation. He made us aware of a dirty cop in town,” said Sgt. Nathan Crain of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office. “These allegations are abhorrent and despicable, and they will be investigated.”
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office has taken over the case and is expected to file charges by Thursday.
Morales faces the following charges:
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Two felony counts of forced oral copulation by a public official involving two adult women
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One felony count of oral copulation by force involving an adult woman
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One felony count of forced oral copulation during an aggravated kidnapping
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One felony count of aggravated kidnapping involving an adult woman
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Multiple counts of solicitation of prostitution
Morales has served with the sheriff’s office since June 2018.
“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,” the department said in a statement.
He is currently being held on $1.3 million bail.
