A Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested yesterday following a months-long investigation into allegations of on-duty sexual misconduct.

Deputy Israel Morales, a 30-year-old resident of Hughson, was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center and is being held on $1.3 million bail. Morales is charged with 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; and multiple counts of solicitation of prostitution.

A criminal investigation began in March when an arrestee reported to a Hughson Police Services deputy that another deputy was engaging in sexual acts with women while on duty in the Hughson area. The Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit immediately launched an investigation to verify the claims, locate potential victims, and gather evidence.

Morales, employed by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office since June 2018, was placed on modified duty and stripped of his peace officer powers on May 6. The case has been referred to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The Sheriff’s Office made this statement in regard to the arrest: “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. We remain firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of ethical conduct.”

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at 209-567-4466, or to remain anonymous, make a report to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME.