BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A 24-year-old California Army National Guard recruiter who regularly visited high schools and colleges in Bakersfield has been arrested on multiple felony charges involving minor victim, according to law enforcement officials and jail records reviewed Thursday.
The Bakersfield Police Department said Special Victims Unit detectives arrested Sergeant Jacob Anthony Robles on Feb. 18, 2026, following an investigation into unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Police confirmed the alleged victim is a 17-year-old girl. Authorities also stated the investigation remains ongoing and includes efforts to identify any additional potential victims.
During the course of the investigation, detectives determined Robles was employed as a recruiter with the California Army National Guard. In that role, police said, he visited various educational institutions across Bakersfield, including high schools, vocational schools, and colleges. Officials have not publicly identified the specific campuses he attended.
Booking information from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office shows Robles was booked into the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility on open charges with total bail set at $360,000. Jail records list multiple felony and misdemeanor counts under California law, including unlawful sexual intercourse, sexual penetration involving a victim under 18, use of an underage person for obscene matter, possession of material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct, exhibiting harmful matter to a minor, and contacting a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense.
According to arrest records, Robles was taken into custody at approximately 1:51 p.m. on Feb. 18 and formally booked later that afternoon. An initial court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2026, at the Superior Court’s Metropolitan Division.
Robles’ official Army recruiting social media accounts identify him as a sergeant (E-5). Archived posts from less than a year ago show him serving in a recruiting capacity as a specialist (E-4), suggesting his promotion occurred within the past 12 months.
The California Army National Guard has not issued a statement or commented on the arrest. It is not yet clear whether he has been suspended from recruiting duties or whether any administrative action has been initiated by the California Army National Guard.
The California Army National Guard has not issued a statement or commented on the arrest.
The Bakersfield Police Department is asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the department at (661) 327-7111 or Detective B. Williamson at (661) 326-3870.
The story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
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