Former OC Deputy Accused of Harassment, Child Porn

Restraining order request details alleged stalking, threats, and past abuse

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:42am

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An extreme close-up of a cracked smartphone screen reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually representing the digital evidence and surveillance at the heart of this crime case.As a former law enforcement officer faces charges of harassment and child pornography, the victim's request for a permanent restraining order exposes the complex dynamics of domestic violence cases involving those in positions of power.Irvine Today

A former Orange County sheriff's deputy is facing criminal charges of child pornography possession and violating a restraining order. His ex-girlfriend has filed a request to extend the restraining order indefinitely, alleging a history of stalking, threats, and past abuse.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about law enforcement officers accused of abusing their power and access to sensitive information. It also raises questions about the challenges victims face in seeking protection from domestic violence and harassment.

The details

Fernando Melo Flores, 40, was charged on April 10 with possession of child pornography, computer access and fraud, and contempt of court for disobeying a restraining order. Prosecutors allege Flores, who was assigned to John Wayne Airport, illegally accessed a law enforcement database to gather information about his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend. The ex-girlfriend's restraining order request contains allegations that Flores molested a family member when she was 8 years old, threatened to take his own life, and put a GPS tracker on another girlfriend's vehicle.

  • Flores and his ex-girlfriend dated from January 2021 to February 2024.
  • The ex-girlfriend said Flores confessed to molesting a family member between 2018-2020.
  • In August 2025, Flores allegedly showed up at the ex-girlfriend's door at 2:35 a.m. and harassed her.

The players

Fernando Melo Flores

A 40-year-old former Orange County sheriff's deputy who is facing criminal charges of child pornography possession and violating a restraining order.

Flores' ex-girlfriend

A woman who dated Flores from January 2021 to February 2024 and has filed a request to extend a restraining order against him indefinitely, alleging a history of stalking, threats, and past abuse.

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What they’re saying

“After discovering all of these awful things about Fernando Flores I was in shock, disgusted and overwhelmed. I didn't feel threatened at the time. I felt I dodged a bullet and wished Fernando well.”

— Flores' ex-girlfriend

“I feel unsafe, I feel like I'm being watched. I feel Fernando is obsessed with me and it's very unsettling.”

— Flores' ex-girlfriend

What’s next

The ex-girlfriend's request to extend the restraining order indefinitely against Flores is scheduled to be heard in court next week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges victims face in seeking protection from domestic violence and harassment, especially when the alleged perpetrator is a law enforcement officer with access to sensitive information.