Undercover Operation Targeting Online Child Predators Results in 4 arrests in Monterey County

DATE/TIME: 8/18/2026 2:15 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Undercover Operation Targeting Online Child Predators Results in 4 arrests

LOCATION: Monterey County, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: [email protected]

Four men were arrested during a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals allegedly using the internet to seek sexual contact with minors.

The proactive operation was conducted August 14-15, 2026. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco conducted the undercover online operation with assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and numerous local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

During the operation, undercover investigators communicated online with individuals who allegedly sought to sexually exploit minors. Investigators identified individuals who engaged in sexually explicit communications and allegedly made arrangements to meet individuals they believed were underage for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. When the suspects arrived at predetermined locations, they were contacted by law enforcement officers and arrested.

"This operation should send a very clear message to anyone who uses the internet in an attempt to prey upon children: the person you are communicating with may be an undercover law enforcement officer," said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto. "Protecting children requires proactive investigations and strong partnerships. I am extremely proud of the investigators and law enforcement professionals who worked together during this operation. We will continue working with our local, state and federal partners to identify those who seek to victimize children and hold them accountable."

The four individuals arrested have been identified as:

• Omar Rivera Hernandez, 28, of Gilroy
• Luis Cruz Jr., 32, of Marina
• Andrew Jesus Ledesma, 32, of Watsonville
• Jovany Ollua Carbajal, 28, of Seaside

The suspects were arrested on criminal charges that include PC 664/288(a), Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14; PC 288.3(a), Contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense; PC 288.4(b), Arranging and/or going to a meeting with a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct. Bail amounts range from $100,000 to $200,000.

The operation was supported by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), California Highway Patrol (CHP), California State Parks, Del Rey Oaks Police Department, Greenfield Police Department, Salinas Police Department, Seaside Police Department, United States Attorney's Office, and Monterey County District Attorney's Office.

"Predators who use the internet to target children should know that HSI and our law enforcement partners are actively working to identify, investigate and stop them before they can harm a child," said HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Jeff Brannigan. "Our success in these areas is only realized through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners in California and across the globe."

Online platforms, social media, messaging applications and other forms of electronic communication can provide offenders with direct access to children. Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain aware of their children's online activity and speak with them about the risks of communicating with people they do not know.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and its law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying individuals who seek to exploit children and conducting proactive operations designed to prevent children from becoming victims.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional state or federal charges may be filed as the investigation continues.