Bakersfield man, 25, arrested for alleged child sex crimes and distribution of pornography

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 25-year-old Bakersfield man was arrested on Wednesday, September 11, for allegedly having sex with a minor and for possession and distribution of child pornography, Bakersfield police said.

BPD said detectives with the Human Trafficking Team began investigating the sexual exploitation of a minor in December 2023, when detectives identified Matthew Vales, 25, of Bakersfield, as the suspect.

Valles was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Kern County Jail. He faces multiple charges.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

If you know someone who is being sexually exploited, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.