Crime

Sonora man arrested on child pornography and drug charges, police say

By Dean J. Condoleo

April 30, 2026 4:13 PM

Sonora police officers escort a man in handcuffs following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Sonora on April 29, 2026. Authorities said the investigation stemmed from a cyber tip related to child exploitation. — Sonora police officers escort a man in handcuffs following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Sonora on April 29, 2026. Authorities said the investigation stemmed from a cyber tip related to child exploitation. Sonora Police Department

A 26-year-old Sonora man was arrested Wednesday on multiple felony child pornography charges and a drug offense following a search warrant served at a residence, authorities said.

Officers with the Sonora Police Department executed the warrant April 29 after receiving a cybertip from the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to a department news release.

Investigators identified Phoenix Raymond Farris as being associated with an online platform flagged in the tip. A review of his online activity allegedly uncovered additional images and videos of child pornography, police said.

During the search, officers also found suspected methamphetamine, according to the release.

A Sonora Police Department vehicle is parked near a residence where officers served a search warrant as part of a child pornography investigation on April 29, 2026. — A Sonora Police Department vehicle is parked near a residence where officers served a search warrant as part of a child pornography investigation on April 29, 2026. Sonora Police Department

Farris was booked into the Tuolumne County Jail on multiple felony charges related to child pornography and possession of methamphetamine. He is being held without bail, police said.

Another occupant of the residence, 22-year-old Valor Charles Farris, was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor possession of cocaine. Authorities said there is no evidence linking him to the child pornography investigation.

The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Stanislaus County Human Exploitation and Trafficking Team, Tuolumne County Probation Department, California Highway Patrol, Cal Fire law enforcement and California State Parks Police.

Law enforcement vehicles, including a K-9 unit and Cal Fire personnel, line a Sonora street during a multi-agency operation tied to a child pornography investigation. — Law enforcement vehicles, including a K-9 unit and Cal Fire personnel, line a Sonora street during a multi-agency operation tied to a child pornography investigation. Sonora Police Department

Dean J. Condoleo

The Modesto Bee