San Jose Man Convicted of Seeking to Meet Underage Girl

Aldo Castillo found guilty of contacting a minor for sex and arranging a meeting with a minor after sting operation by Dublin police.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 29-year-old San Jose man, Aldo Castillo, was convicted of felony charges for contacting a minor to commit a sex crime and arranging a sexual meeting with a minor. Castillo was arrested in 2023 after talking online with an undercover Dublin police officer who was posing as a 13-year-old girl. Despite Castillo's claims that he did not believe the person was actually a minor, he showed up to a movie theater with condoms and erectile dysfunction pills, where he was arrested.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals seeking to exploit minors, even through online sting operations. It also raises questions about the psychological profiles of offenders and the challenges of determining intent in these types of cases.

The details

Castillo was convicted after a trial where he argued he did not believe the person he was speaking with was actually 13 years old. His attorney cited a psychological study that found Castillo's profile did not resemble a "typical pedophile or predator." However, the judge at the preliminary hearing said it was "not a close call" to uphold the charges, noting that the undercover officer made it clear he was posing as a 13-year-old, and Castillo still arranged to meet and brought condoms and medication.

  • Castillo was arrested in 2023 after the online conversations.
  • On February 6, 2026, Castillo was convicted of the felony charges.
  • Castillo's sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2026.

The players

Aldo Castillo

A 29-year-old San Jose resident who was convicted of felony charges for contacting a minor to commit a sex crime and arranging a sexual meeting with a minor.

Judge Toni Mims-Cochran

The judge who denied a prosecution motion to detain Castillo until his sentencing.

Judge Paul Delucchi

The judge at the preliminary hearing who said it was "not a close call" to uphold the charges against Castillo.

Dublin Police Det. Ryan Henrioulle

The detective who called Castillo's phone with the burner device police had been using to impersonate a minor, leading Castillo to say "I know what this is about."

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What they’re saying

“(The detective) testified, made it very clear that he's posing as a 13-year-old. He sends pictures. The purported recipient of those doesn't back off of that but starts asking sexually explicit questions, identifies himself by his real name of Aldo, takes the steps to detail where they should meet, when they should meet, and what he would be driving.”

— Judge Paul Delucchi, Judge

“I know what this is about.”

— Aldo Castillo

What’s next

Castillo's sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2026, where the judge will determine his punishment for the felony convictions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals seeking to exploit minors, even through online sting operations. It also raises questions about the psychological profiles of offenders and the challenges of determining intent in these types of cases.