Federal agents arrested a Calipatria State Prison officer last week on a federal arrest warrant charging him with enticement of a minor.
Manuel Gonzales, 28, of Heber was arrested Wednesday by FBI and Homeland Security Investigation agents and booked into Imperial county jail.
The charges emanate from an investigation conducted by the FBI with assistance from HSI, according to an FBI press release.
According to the related complaint, Gonzales engaged in unlawful sexual activity with a minor victim via cell phone text messages.
Gonzales has been employed in state service as a correctional officer for about four years and nine months, Calipatria Prison Lt. Jorge Santana said, and Calipatria State Prison is in full cooperation with the arresting agency.
Gonzales had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis on Thursday and has a preliminary hearing set for March 28.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
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