Los Banos Man Missing After Police Link Him to Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigation
Los Banos, CA (May 16, 2026) — Los Banos police are asking for the public’s help locating 21-year-old Luis Zamora Alvarez, who has not been seen or heard from since approximately midnight on May 9, 2026, according to the Los Banos Police Department.
Police said that earlier that evening, members of the department served a search warrant at Alvarez’s residence as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. During the investigation, detectives developed probable cause linking Alvarez to alleged violations of California Penal Code sections 311.11 and 311.11(c)(1), related to the possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the department’s missing person notice.
Several hours after the search warrant was served, Alvarez was reported missing. Police said he has not been seen and has not contacted family members since that time. Due to the circumstances surrounding the case and the lack of communication, family members and investigators are concerned for his welfare.
California Penal Code section 311.11 applies to the knowing possession or control of material involving a person under 18 engaged in or simulating sexual conduct. Subsection 311.11(c)(1) applies when the material contains more than 600 qualifying images and at least 10 images involving a prepubescent minor or a minor under 12 years old.
Anyone with information about Alvarez’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Los Banos Police Department at 209-827-7070. The City of Los Banos lists the police department’s non-emergency dispatch line at 209-827-7070, ext. 0, and the records/reception desk at 209-827-7070, ext. 1.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Merced Area Crime Stoppers by calling 1-855-725-2420, using the P3 app, or submitting a tip through the Crime Stoppers website.
Article Originally Published At: https://losbanosenterprise.com/community/crime/2026/los-banos-man-missing-after-police-link-him-to-child-sexual-abuse-material-investigation/