A Los Banos man has been arrested following an investigation into alleged online child exploitation, according to the Los Banos Police Department.

Police said they were notified of a local adult male who was allegedly attempting to arrange a meeting with an 11-year-old child. Detectives launched an investigation and learned the suspect was also linked to referrals from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

During the investigation, detectives determined that online accounts associated with Joe Flores, 49, had allegedly been used to upload and possess child sexual abuse material.

On June 30, 2026, Flores was taken into custody. He is facing charges of possession of child sexual abuse material, along with sentencing enhancements for allegedly possessing more than 600 images or 12 videos depicting child sexual abuse material.

The Los Banos Police Department is encouraging parents and community members to report suspected child exploitation, online grooming, attempts to meet minors, or the sharing of child sexual abuse material.

Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger should call 911.