Man arrested in connection with sexual exploitation of minor

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Bakersfield man was arrested Wednesday in connection with sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to police, the Bakersfield Human Trafficking Team began investigating the sexual exploitation of a minor in December 2023.

Matthew Vales, 25, was arrested in connection with the alleged exploitation.

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Vales was arrested on Wednesday, September 11, on suspicion of multiple felony counts of having sex with a minor and other related offenses.

Police say the investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents or who knows someone who is currently…
are being sexually exploited, please contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 661
-327-7111 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

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