Solano's Digital Predator Pursuit

The Work of a Digital Detective

In the heart of Solano County, Detective Josh Hughes works behind layers of digital security, spending much of his day staring at computer screens. Unlike traditional detectives who watch and observe, Hughes hunts — searching for predators who hide in the shadows of the internet. As the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigator for the sheriff’s department, he combines old-school detective skills with advanced technology to track down some of the most dangerous offenders.

Since taking on this role in February, Hughes has played a crucial part in bringing multiple suspects to justice for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse materials. For him, this work is more than just a job; it's a personal mission. "We want to try to catch all the offenders we can — anyone trying to harm the most important part of our community — our future, our kids," he said.

In addition to his work with the ICAC unit, Hughes also collaborates with the county’s cold case homicides team and the Major Crimes Task Force. However, a significant portion of his time is spent following leads — some generated by himself and others from community members or neighboring law enforcement agencies.

"Anyone can make a tip," Hughes emphasized. He encourages people to report anything they find suspicious. "You can go to Report.cybertip.org, and I tell people if you see something, speak up." This website allows anonymous tips and encourages reporting anything from inappropriate images and videos to online conversations between adults and children about sex, or websites that mimic mainstream sites but contain harmful content.

"In almost every case, we hear someone say after an arrest, 'I always thought something was wrong with that person,' but they didn't call," Hughes noted. "So it's important to speak up. These crimes occur in the dark, and the best way to fight that is to shine a light on it."

Many of the tips Hughes receives come from other agencies working on similar cases. "They'll catch someone and then tell us, 'Hey, we got this one, but here's something you may want to check out.'"

The nature of these crimes is often shocking, according to Hughes. "It's some of the worst things to watch. It's brutal. I have a family myself, so I don't pretend that it doesn't affect me," he said. "But I have a lot of support — from the Sheriff down to my supervisor — and they always tell me that if I need help or just to talk, to reach out. It's a very supportive department."

Before joining the Solano Sheriff's Department, Hughes worked in state law enforcement. He chose this role as an opportunity to "effect change" locally — in the community he calls home. Growing up in Vacaville, he sees his work as "an opportunity to protect the children" of Solano County.

Hughes frequently speaks to parents, offering advice on how to keep their children safe online. His recommendations are based on the S.M.A.R.T. approach:

• Set up: Devices, accounts, and passwords for children's devices.
• Monitor: Children's online use and connections.
• Approve: Any online games and apps before allowing children to use them.
• Restrict: Access to inappropriate content.
• Talk: Openly and repeatedly about online safety.

He stressed that the last tip is essential. "If you've got kids or friends with kids in the community, you have a responsibility to protect them," Hughes said. "It can start with their phones, talking to them about what they are doing online. Make it a part of your regular conversation."

Hughes encourages parents to discuss any content their children may encounter online because "they see things and they know," and parents can guide them to stay safe. "It's important because these criminals approach in multiple ways," he said. "Predators look for a weak spot to attack."

For younger children, he advised parents to talk to daycare providers and teachers. "They see things too."

Finally, Hughes has a message for those who prey on children: "We will find you."