The Stanislaus County District’s Attorney Office announced that the Hughson sheriff’s deputy who was arrested on May 27 will face a number of felony charges related to sexual misconduct.

Israel Morales, age 30 of Hughson, has been charged with oral copulation by use of authority, oral copulation by force or fear, aggravated kidnapping, false imprisonment, and solicitation of prostitution. He is currently being held in the Stanislaus County Jail on $1.3 million bail.

“As a former police officer, any incidents of police misconduct concern me greatly,” said District Attorney Jeff Laugero. “Public trust demands our law enforcement professionals adhere to the highest ethical standards. An allegation of police misconduct erodes that public trust and negatively reflects on the law enforcement profession. My office is committed to protecting and maintaining the public trust by upholding the law with integrity and fairness, affording every defendant the same standard of ethical and fair treatment, regardless of position or title. The oath to serve and protect commits officers to uphold justice and safeguard lives, which officers do every day at significant personal risk. When officers violate that pledge, they victimize the very people they swore to protect.”

The investigation began in March after an arrestee reported to a Hughson Police Services deputy that another deputy had engaged in sexual acts with women while on duty in the Hughson area. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit launched an inquiry to verify the claims, locate potential victims and gather evidence.

Morales, employed by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office since June 2018, was placed on modified duty and stripped of his peace officer powers on May 6.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at (209) 567-4466, District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation at (209) 800-6506, or to remain anonymous, make a report to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME.