Press Release

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

PRESS RELEASE: Observant School Employee's Tip Leads to Man's Arrest

Turlock, Ca – On February 20, 2024, Turlock Police Department received a call from a
school employee who wanted to report a suspicious incident involving a minor student
and an unknown adult male. The reporting party stated they witnessed an unknown
adult male handing food and clothing to the student near the school’s perimeter fence.
After speaking with the student, school staff immediately called police to investigate.
The officer’s investigation identified the adult male as Rene Ledezma, a 52-year-old
Modesto resident, and a Turlock Transit bus driver.
Detectives contacted Turlock Transit and confirmed that Ledezma was a contracted
employee hired to drive Turlock Transit buses. At the conclusion of Ledezma’s work
shift, Detectives met with and arrested Ledezma without incident.
A preliminary search of the victim and Ledezma’s cellphones revealed evidence of an
inappropriate conversations between the two. Ledezma was subsequently booked into
the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for contacting a minor with intent for sex
and attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a child.
At this time, there is no evidence of any other victims. As the City of Turlock contracts
for transit operations and management services, all questions regarding Ledezma’s
employment will be referred to Storer Transit Systems. Per Storer Transit Systems,
Ledezma has been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of an
investigation.
“Because a school employee felt that something inappropriate was taking place and
reported it, Turlock Police were able to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the student.
This is yet another example of ‘See something-Say something’ working”, stated
Detective Urban.
The Turlock Police Department ask that anyone with information, call Detective Urban
at (209) 668-6571. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at
(209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program.
Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 or
(866) 602-7463 and you may be eligible for a cash reward. You can also leave an
anonymous tip online at www.stancrimetips.org or by texting “StanCS” to 738447. The
P3 app is also available for download for Apple and Android devices.
To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police
Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or
more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/.
For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and
Twitter




Back to Press Releases