TURLOCK — A Modesto Youth Soccer coach was arrested Monday on felony charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography, following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, authorities said.
Matthew Paez, 33, of Turlock, was taken into custody by detectives from the Turlock Police Department after investigators traced illicit material uploaded to an internet-based platform back to him, according to Detective Giovacchini. The investigation began with a CyberTip submitted to NCMEC, which led police to a residence in the 400 block of Meandering Lane.
Paez was arrested at the home, where detectives also seized multiple electronic devices now undergoing forensic analysis. He has been booked on two felony counts: possession of child pornography and distribution of obscene material involving a minor. Police said additional charges may be filed pending the results of the digital evidence review.
At the time of his arrest, Paez was coaching a Modesto-based youth travel soccer team. The organization was notified immediately, and investigators have found no evidence so far that any players or local children were directly affected. The case remains active as authorities work to ensure no potential victims are overlooked.
“This is a difficult but important reminder that child exploitation can happen in any community,” Giovacchini said. “We will continue to act on every credible tip and use every tool available to protect children and hold offenders accountable.”
CyberTips are reports submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, a federally mandated system for flagging suspected child sexual exploitation online. Electronic service providers, such as social media platforms and cloud storage services, are required by law to report any apparent child sexual abuse material they detect. Once received, NCMEC analysts review the tip and forward it to the appropriate law enforcement agency, often including IP addresses, account details, and file metadata to aid in the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Detective Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539. Tips can also be submitted to the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550, extension 6780, or via email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
