A 35-year-old Turlock man was arrested after investigators learned he was allegedly having sexual conversations online with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl, according to police.
Anthony Wyatt was taken into custody on October 7 after authorities received information about the online conversations. Investigators said the communication continued even after Wyatt was told that the person was 13 years old.
Police allege that the conversations eventually included a request for explicit photographs. Wyatt was booked on two felony charges involving communication with a minor for sexual purposes and material depicting a minor.
Investigators said the person communicating with Wyatt had been presenting themselves as a minor on social media. Police also thanked that individual for bringing the messages to authorities’ attention, which led to the investigation and Wyatt’s arrest.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when sexual communications involving minors—or people believed to be minors—take place through social media and other online platforms.
Wyatt’s arrest remains an allegation, and the charges filed against him will proceed through the legal system. An arrest or criminal charge does not by itself establish guilt.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information may become available as the case moves forward.
