Booking photo of David Pacheco | Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office
A Tuolumne County man has been arrested for allegedly using Snapchat to solicit minors for sex in exchange for drugs, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
30-year-old David Pacheco of Sonora, whom authorities say was already on active Post-Release Community Supervision, is accused of soliciting sexual photos and videos, and occasionally outright sex acts, in exchange for various marijuana products.
Following up on a tip about suspicious behavior, members of the Tuolumne County High-Risk Supervision Team contacted Pacheco at his Crystal Falls home, which they ultimately searched along with his vehicle and a storage unit registered to his name. Investigators say they discovered over fourteen pounds of marijuana, almost two ounces of psilocybin mushrooms, concentrated marijuana, marijuana vape pens, tobacco and alcohol products, and various marijuana-laced snacks.
Investigators allege that Pacheco had been using the social media app Snapchat to target minors throughout the county, whether it be for the sale of marijuana products, or to solicit sexual photos, videos, or acts in exchange for them. Pacheco had even set up an elaborate system to vet potential victims, wherein he would have them send him videos of them smoking marijuana before granting them an invitation to a private chat.
Investigators ultimately determined that Pacheco had sold or purveyed marijuana products to over 100 juveniles, ranging in age from 8th grade to high school. Due to the scope and sensitive nature of the investigation and alleged crimes, authorities have not made any further information available.
Pacheco was ultimately arrested and booked on numerous charges including possession of a narcotic for sale, selling marijuana to a minor, possession of child pornography, and commission of sexual acts with a minor.
