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Former Orange County Deputy Charged with Child Porn, Stalking Ex
Prosecutors say the ex-cop had numerous images of child sexual abuse on his phone and misused a police database.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:22pm
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The discovery of child sexual abuse images on a former deputy's phone has shaken public confidence in Orange County law enforcement.Irvine TodayA former Orange County sheriff's deputy has been charged with possessing child sexual abuse material, using a police database to pull information about his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend, and violating a restraining order. Fernando Melo Flores, 40, faces up to four years and two months in prison if convicted on all counts.
Why it matters
The case highlights the serious breach of public trust when a law enforcement officer abuses their power and access to confidential information for personal reasons, especially involving the exploitation of minors. It raises concerns about the vetting and monitoring of deputies to prevent such misconduct.
The details
Flores was assigned to John Wayne Airport when he allegedly went to his ex-girlfriend's home at night, repeatedly called and texted her, prompting the woman to get a restraining order. The day after he was served with that order, Flores allegedly went back to his ex-girlfriend's home. During the investigation, police discovered Flores had 'numerous' images of child sexual abuse on his phone, as well as screenshots from a confidential law enforcement database with information about his ex, her boyfriend and the boyfriend's ex.
- On an unspecified date, Flores allegedly went to his ex-girlfriend's home at night and repeatedly called and texted her.
- Flores was served with a restraining order, but the next day he allegedly went back to his ex-girlfriend's home.
- Flores was charged on April 14, 2026.
The players
Fernando Melo Flores
A 40-year-old former Orange County sheriff's deputy who has been charged with possessing child sexual abuse material, using a police database to pull information about his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend, and violating a restraining order.
Todd Spitzer
The Orange County District Attorney who stated that the crimes carried out by Flores, a sworn deputy, were a 'dereliction of his responsibility to his community and a disgrace to the badge and to the hardworking men and women of law enforcement who carry out their duties faithfully each and every day.'
What they’re saying
“The crimes carried out by a sworn deputy are a dereliction of his responsibility to his community and a disgrace to the badge and to the hardworking men and women of law enforcement who carry out their duties faithfully each and every day.”
— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney
What’s next
Flores is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on April 18, 2026. Prosecutors will argue that he should remain in custody due to the serious nature of the allegations and the risk he poses to the community.
The takeaway
This case underscores the critical need for robust vetting, training and oversight of law enforcement officers to prevent abuse of power, protect vulnerable individuals, and maintain public trust in the justice system.
