Also suspected of distribution; multi-agency effort
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Los Banos Police Department arrested 29-year-old Los Banos Junior High School teacher Christian Banuelos, off campus, for possession of Child Pornography charges.
The police department received a cyber tip from the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Detectives followed up on the lead which resulted in the identification of Banuelos. The Los Banos Police Department in cooperation with The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the ICAC task force along with HSI, took Banuelos into custody off-campus after an investigation determined he was in possession of, and is suspected of distributing child pornography.
A letter was sent out by Los Banos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Marshall to the community in both English and Spanish informing of Banuelos’ arrest.
The department along with ICAC, is still investigating this case, which involves processing numerous electronic devices, however the safety of our students and residents is our top priority.
According to localcrimews.com, Banuelos was charged with the following crimes: 311.11(A) – Possession Or Control Of Child Pornography, 311.2(D) – Distribute Obscenity Depict Minor To Minor, 288.3A – Attempting to Contact Minor w/Intent to Commit Offense and 311.11(C)(1) – More Than 600 Images of Person Under 18 Engaged in or Simulating Sexual Conduct.
The Department is not aware of any local victims, however anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Ricardo Monay at (209) 827-2523.
According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, as of Friday morning, Banuelos had bonded out of custody.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report
