A 27-year-old Pittsburg man gave vape pens and cash to a 16-year-old Ceres girl in exchange for sex, Ceres Police have charged.

Christopher Rios was taken into custody on multiple charges following a six-month investigation conducted by the Ceres Police detectives. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The mother of the 16-year-old female victim discovered messages on her daughter’s social media accounts which raised concerns that she had been communicating with and possibly meeting a man.

Detectives learned that Christopher Rios had traveled from the Walnut Creek area to Ceres to engage in sexual acts with the girl in exchange for vape pens and cash. Additionally, investigators uncovered evidence of sexually explicit photographs being exchanged via social media platforms. Ceres Police detectives traveled to Walnut Creek, where the suspect was arrested with the assistance of Walnut Creek Police.

“This case highlights the critical importance of parents and guardians regularly monitoring their children’s activities on social media,” said Ceres Police Lt. Jeff Godfrey.

While the investigation remains ongoing, currently there is no indication of additional victims.

Anyone who may have information related to this case, or who believes they may have been a victim involving Rios is urged to contact Ceres Police Detective Brian Petersen at 209-538-5627.