Sacramento, California – A disturbing case unfolded in Sacramento County when authorities arrested a young man accused of preying on a minor through social media. On February 4, 2026, detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau took 23-year-old Rafael Flores, Jr. into custody. He faces serious charges stemming from an incident reported back in June 2025. Flores was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail with bail set at $500,000.
The investigation began after a father contacted the Sheriff’s Office, claiming his 13-year-old daughter had been sexually assaulted. Specialists at the Sacramento SAFE Center conducted a forensic interview with the girl. She explained how Flores first reached out to her on Instagram and Snapchat. Their conversations quickly turned inappropriate. He sent her explicit images and pressured her to share lewd content in return.
Things escalated when Flores persuaded the girl to meet him at a local hotel. There, he allegedly assaulted her. Detectives from the Child Abuse Bureau took over the case. They secured search warrants for his social media accounts. What they found was alarming: evidence of Flores communicating with several other minors, not just in Sacramento but in nearby counties too.
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Based on their findings, an arrest warrant was issued. It included five counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14. There was also one count for distributing lewd material to minors and another for sending harmful content meant to seduce a minor. Law enforcement acted swiftly to locate and detain him.
Now, investigators suspect there could be more victims out there who haven’t come forward yet. They’re urging anyone with information to step up.
People can reach the Sheriff’s Office Child Abuse Bureau by calling (916) 875-5191 or emailing [email protected].
Sharing details could help bring justice and protect others from similar harm. This case highlights the dangers lurking on social platforms, where predators might exploit young users. Authorities hope public tips will uncover the full scope of Flores’ actions.