FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suspect Marlo Porter

IN-CUSTODY

On January 14, 2026, at approximately 10:40 AM, San José Police Department Patrol Officers responded to a report of a possible kidnapping and sexual assault that occurred in downtown San José.

The 15-year-old survivor reported that she was walking to school in the area of South 3rd Street and East San Fernando Street when she was approached by an unknown adult male who attempted to offer her narcotics. The survivor continued walking when the suspect forced her into his vehicle.

The suspect drove to the area of 17th Street and East Santa Clara Street, where the survivor reported that she was sexually assaulted. The suspect then dropped her off near her school. The survivor arrived at school where she reported the incident.

Patrol Officers quickly notified the Sexual Assault Investigations Unit (SAIU) and the Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC). SAIU Detectives immediately responded to the scene, while Patrol Officers and RTIC Analysts began working in parallel to identify the suspect using a limited suspect and vehicle description.

Using the FUSUS system, which integrates City of San José public safety cameras, Officers were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle. RTIC Analysts and Patrol Officers then utilized the SJPD Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system to obtain a license plate and determine the vehicle’s general location.

By combining real-time technology with dedicated investigative work, Officers identified the registered owner of the vehicle, who matched the suspect description provided by the survivor.

An ALPR notification later alerted Officers to the area near the suspect’s residence in South San José. SJPD’s helicopter, Air 3, responded and located the vehicle. Air 3 then guided Officers on the ground to the area, where the suspect was taken into custody without incident near the program site where he was staying.

The suspect has been identified as 51-year-old Marlo Porter of San José. At the time of his arrest, he was a registered sex offender. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for kidnapping and sexual assault of a juvenile.

“This investigation moved quickly because our officers and analysts worked together in real time,” said SJPD Chief Paul Joseph. “By combining technology with dedicated police work, we were able to identify and arrest this suspect within hours rather than days. That rapid response matters, reducing the risk of further harm in our community.”

“What happened to this child is every kid’s and every parent’s worst nightmare,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “This isn’t the first time this suspect has harmed a child, but I will do everything in my power to make sure it’s the last. We need our judges and criminal justice system to make sure people are rehabilitated before they are released back into the community — or else kept in custody where they can’t harm anyone again. Let this be clear: no matter where someone lives — along our creek, in our shelters or in our wealthiest neighborhoods — they will be found and held accountable.”

“Our hearts are with the young victim and her family following this horrific and deeply traumatic crime,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “San José remains committed to ensuring safety in our neighborhoods, on our streets, and for children traveling to and from school. I want to thank the San José Police Department for their swift, coordinated work to identify and arrest the suspect and remove an immediate threat to public safety."

Because of the nature of this crime and the suspect’s prior sexual assault history, SAIU detectives believe there may be additional survivors. SJPD encourages anyone with information related to this incident or a similar to contact Detective Davis #4686 of the San José Police Department’s Sexual Assault Investigations Unit via email at 4686@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4102

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.