PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Bay Area man was arrested for meeting up with a minor for the purpose of committing a lewd or sexual act in Porterville, committing a felony while released on bail, and kidnapping, police say.
According to the Porterville Police Department, on Dec. 29, a girl in Porterville reported being contacted by a man on Snapchat. Officials say 20-year-old Mario Anthony Godinez arranged to meet with her and then took her to his home in Richmond.
She remained in Richmond for several days before she was returned to Porterville.
Officials say Godinez had been arrested before on multiple human-trafficking-related charges and was on court-ordered supervision at the time of this incident.
With assistance from multiple agencies, including the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Richmond Police Department, detectives served an arrest warrant and search warrant at Godinez’s home in Richmond.
Officials say evidence recovered during the search indicates there may be additional victims of human trafficking connected to this investigation.
Godinez was taken into custody without incident.
Godinez was booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility and is being held without bail. Officials say the case has been forwarded to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Det. Madrigal or Sgt. Stark with the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400.
