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Visalia Today
By the People, for the People
Hanford Resident Arrested for Alleged Online Targeting of Minor
19-year-old Jossue Penaloza faces charges related to contacting a 15-year-old on Instagram and requesting inappropriate images
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Visalia Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested 19-year-old Jossue Penaloza, a resident of Hanford, California, for allegedly contacting a 15-year-old minor on Instagram and seeking to arrange a meeting for sexual activity as well as requesting the transmission of nude and other inappropriate images through the social media platform.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing threat of online predators targeting minors and the importance of parental monitoring of children's social media use. Law enforcement is actively pursuing individuals who attempt to exploit minors through digital platforms.
The details
Following a report from the 15-year-old minor, detectives identified Penaloza as the suspect. On February 13, 2026, Penaloza was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility. He faces charges under Penal Code 288.3(a) for contact with a minor for sexual offenses and Penal Code 311.11(a) for possession of child sexual abuse material.
- On January 13, 2026, the Visalia Police Department's ICAC Unit initiated an investigation following the minor's report.
- On February 13, 2026, Penaloza was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility.
The players
Jossue Penaloza
A 19-year-old resident of Hanford, California, who was arrested for allegedly contacting a 15-year-old minor on Instagram and seeking to arrange a meeting for sexual activity as well as requesting inappropriate images.
Visalia Police Department
The law enforcement agency that initiated the investigation and made the arrest in this case.
What they’re saying
“Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact Detective D. Nelson at (559) 734-8116. For those who wish to provide information while remaining anonymous, the department maintains a dedicated tip line at (559) 713-4738.”
— Visalia Police Department
What’s next
The investigation remains active, as detectives suggest there may be additional victims involved.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing threat of online predators targeting minors and the importance of parental monitoring of children's social media use. Law enforcement is actively pursuing individuals who attempt to exploit minors through digital platforms.
