Location: Terra Bella

Incident Date: 02/24/2016

Case Number: 16-02251

Victim: Confidential

City: Terra Bella

Posted by: Media Relations

Lewd acts with a child

Suspect:  Christopher Diaz (26 years of age, Resident of Porterville) 


On February 21, 2016, Tulare County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the Terra Bella area in regards to a child molestation investigation. Shortly after the initial report, Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff's Crimes Against Children Unit responded and took over the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Christopher Diaz as the suspect in the case. It was determined that Diaz had used a social media application to contact the 15-year-old victim. 


With the assistance of the Sheriff's County Apprehension Team Tracking Criminals in Hiding Unit (C.A.T.T.C.H Team), the suspect was located and arrested. The suspect was arraigned on February 25, 2016 and was formally charged with eight counts of Lewd Acts with a child.

He is currently being held at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility.


This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can call Detective Cox or Sergeant Torres at 559-733-6218 or 800-808-0488. Anyone with information can also remain anonymous by calling TIP NOW at 559-725-4194.