Stanislaus deputy makes first court appearance on sexual assault, kidnap charges
A Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputy did not enter a plea Thursday in his first court appearance on charges of sexual assault and kidnapping while on patrol in the Hughson area.
Stanislaus Superior Court Judge Edward Lacy ordered that Israel Morales, 31, remain in jail on $1.15 million bail and return June 27 for further arraignment.
Morales wore a jail uniform with red and white stripes and had his wrists shackled during the brief hearing. As he entered, he mouthed a greeting to apparent supporters in the gallery.
The two alleged victims were not named in the complaint filed Thursday by the District Attorney’s Office. They were represented at the hearing by a victim advocate from that agency.
The complaint alleges that Morales forced one woman into oral copulation on Aug. 28, 2024, and another on May 1 of this year. Both cases involved the armed deputy kidnapping and threatening to arrest the women if they did not cooperate, the filing said.
All of the charges are felonies. Morales also faces misdemeanor charges of soliciting prostitution on June 7 and June 18 of last year. The location and other details were not disclosed.
Defense does not comment afterward, but sheriff does
Defense attorney Josh Olander declined to comment to the media after the hearing. He told the judge he would arrange to have Morales’ two personal firearms turned over to law enforcement.
Morales had been booked on $1.3 million bail following his arrest at work Tuesday. The reason for lowering it to $1.15 million was not discussed in court. The defense can seek a further bail reduction June 27.
The prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Larissa Jones, also did not comment to reporters. The office did release a statement Wednesday from District Attorney Jeff Laugero.
“As a former police officer, any incidents of police misconduct concern me greatly,” he said. “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.”
And late afternoon Thursday on his department’s Facebook page, Sheriff Jeff Dirkse posted a statement that reads, in part: “I am deeply troubled and outraged by Morales’s actions and condemn the behaviors described in this case. Such conduct is reprehensible, criminal, and a violation of the public’s trust. It is completely contrary to the mission, values, and standards that every member of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office is sworn to uphold. The actions of one individual do not, and will not, define the character or integrity of our organization or the dedicated men and women who serve our community each day with honor and professionalism.
“Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of the Sheriff’s Office. With that, let me be clear: any criminal actions by a law enforcement official, including members of this department, should be held to the same standard as any citizen.”
Tip came from man arrested in another case
The investigation began in March when a man arrested by Hughson Police Services on unrelated misdemeanor charges reported that Morales was “engaging in sexual acts with women while on duty,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit “immediately launched an investigation,” according to a press release. Morales remained on patrol until May 6, when he was placed on “modified duty” and “stripped of his peace officer powers,” meaning his gun and badge were taken away.
Morales has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since June 2018, starting in the jail. He was transferred to street beat duty in 2022 and was assigned to the Hughson area in April 2024. The city contracts with the county for policing.
This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 4:44 PM.
