FRESNO, California — A Lemoore-based Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy has been arrested for an alleged felony sexual battery and assault that reportedly occurred while he was on-duty and in uniform on Mother’s Day, law enforcement officials announced.
Alejandro Apodaca, 31, was taken into custody on May 13, 2026. He faces two counts of felony sexual battery and two counts of felony assault by a public officer stemming from an alleged attack that took place in the City of Fresno on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026.
According to a statement released by the Fresno Police Department on May 14, 2026, the criminal investigation began after authorities received a call for service reporting that a victim had been sexually assaulted by a deputy. Following an initial response by patrol officers, the department’s Sexual Assault Unit took over the case.
Upon receiving notification of the allegations, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office assisted Fresno Police Department detectives by providing the necessary information to identify Apodaca. Records from the Fresno County Jail show that detectives contacted Apodaca three days after the reported incident, arresting him at a Grocery Outlet located at 1160 Lemoore Avenue in Lemoore. Apodaca immediately bonded out of jail following his booking.
Apodaca has been employed as a deputy with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for three years, public records indicate. In 2024, he received just over $150,100 in total compensation while serving in the position of Deputy Sheriff II. Following the arrest, the sheriff’s department placed Apodaca on administrative leave.
The Fresno County District Attorney has a one-year timeline to file formal charges against Apodaca. As of Tuesday morning, no official charges had been filed by the prosecutor’s office. Apodaca is scheduled to appear in court for his initial hearing on May 28, 2026.
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto and Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni issued a joint statement emphasizing their mutual commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal actions, regardless of their status as law enforcement officers. Casto stated that maintaining agency integrity remains paramount and that quick, decisive action will always be taken to preserve the trust of the public when serious misconduct is alleged.
Sheriff Zanoni expressed disappointment over the allegations brought against an employee of his department, stating that the agency holds its staff to the same standards of accountability as any member of the community.
Fresno Police Department Public Information Officer Larry Bowlan declined to provide further details regarding the specifics of the incident. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the office of Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp did not respond to requests for comment.
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