Police conduct undercover operation to combat child exploitation
Published on September 24, 2025
Menlo Park, Calif. – On today, September 24, 2025, Detectives with the Menlo Park Police Department, in coordination with members of the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, concluded a multi-day operation with the arrest of three individuals who traveled to the City of Menlo Park with the intent to sexually victimize children.
As part of the operation, law enforcement personnel utilized social media platforms posing as minors to identify, contact, and arrest anyone who may be trying to target children for sex.
Detectives were contacted by three suspects who, after learning of the purported minors’ ages, arranged to meet at specific locations within the City of Menlo Park. In these encounters, suspects used sexually explicit language and / or sent graphic photos to undercover personnel. Once the suspects arrived at the agreed location, they were taken into custody.
Arunkumar Kizhakke Unnikrishnan, a 45-year-old resident of Mountain View, was booked into the San Mateo County Jail charged with:
- 664 / 288(a)PC – Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age
- 288.3(a) PC – Contact minor with the intent to commit a sex crime or other serious felony
- 288.4(b)PC – Arrange or meet with minor with intent to engage in lewd or lascivious behavior
Yony Trochez-Marinez, a 33-year-old resident of San Jose, was booked into the San Mateo County Jail charged with:
- 664 / 288(a)PC – Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age
- 288.3(a) PC – Contact minor with the intent to commit a sex crime or other serious felony
- 288.4(b)PC – Arrange or meet with minor with intent to engage in lewd or lascivious behavior
Jefferson Aldair Martinez Hernandez, a 26-year-old resident of Oakland, was booked into the San Mateo County Jail charged with:
- 664 / 288(a)PC – Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age
- 288.2(a)(2)PC – Distribute or send harmful matter to minor
- 288.3(a) PC – Contact minor with the intent to commit a sex crime or other serious felony
- 288.4(b)PC – Arrange or meet with minor with intent to engage in lewd or lascivious behavior
Sexual exploitation of children affects communities everywhere, including Menlo Park. The individuals arrested, traveled here specifically to victimize children, underscoring the importance of vigilance and proactive enforcement.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to help their children be safe online and to be aware of the websites and mobile applications they are using. If you suspect online child exploitation, please report it to law enforcement immediately.
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Menlo Park Police Department
650-330-6300