Carpinteria, Calif. – Sheriff’s detectives have arrested an Oxnard man for sex crimes against a juvenile and are issuing a caution about the dangers of social media direct messaging.

The investigation began in November 2025, when patrol deputies were following up on a report of a missing juvenile who had returned home in Carpinteria. Detectives assigned to the case learned that the suspect, 23-year-old Ramiro Hernandez, had been in contact with the juvenile through Snapchat and Instagram and was aware of her age. Detectives obtained multiple search warrants to determine the suspect’s true identity, as he was not using his legal name on the social media profiles he used to communicate with the victim.

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, detectives arrested Hernandez at his home in the 400-block of Grant Avenue in Oxnard. He was booked at the Main Jail for felonies including assault with intent to commit a sex crime, traveling to meet with a minor for lewd and lascivious acts, sexual battery and furnishing alcohol and marijuana to a minor. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

Detectives are sharing the known social media handles and profile pictures used by Hernandez and encouraging parents to check their children’s social media accounts for any contact with him- “goshboyyyy_lol” and “justreelingby”. These accounts are no longer active.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Kiesow at (805)681-4150. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information by calling our tip line at (805)681-4171 or online at SBSheriff.org.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay actively engaged in their children’s online activity, utilize privacy settings and parental controls, and maintain open conversations about online safety. It is critical that both parents and children understand that individuals online are not always who they claim to be. Child predators often use false identities, fake profiles, and manipulation tactics to gain trust and exploit young people. Teaching children to be cautious about who they communicate with, what information they share, and to report suspicious behavior can help prevent exploitation and keep them safe.