According to a release from the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), LBPD Officer Noe Yanez was arrested for possession of child pornography, following an investigation conducted by the department.
Yanez, a nine-year employee with the Department, first came into contact with a specific minor during the course of his employment. He then began contacting the victim via text messages and subsequently solicited inappropriate photographs of the victim. In April, the victim reported the incident to a school resource officer and LBPD launched an immediate, and thorough investigation. Significant resources were devoted to determine the extent of the contact between Yanez and the victim, including the execution of multiple search warrants.
On Thursday, April 19, Yanez was arrested and booked for possession of child pornography. He is being held at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail and his bail amount has not yet been determined.
“Not only are the actions of this officer a violation of the law, they are a violation of the community’s trust, and a violation of the principles of this Department,” stated Chief Jim McDonnell. “The men and women of this Department take great pride in the good work they do everyday with the community, and we will not allow the actions of this one officer to compromise that relationship.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Justice System Integrity Division will be presented with this case and will handle the prosecution. Yanez has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the continuing criminal and internal affairs investigations.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Long Beach Police Department Sex Crimes Detail Tip Line at (562) 570-7878. Anonymous tips may be submitted via text or email by visiting www.tipsoft.com.