On January 12, 2026, Travis James Bell, 47, was sentenced to 10 years and four months in state prison after entering guilty pleas to Forcible Rape (Penal Code 261(a)(2)), a strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law, and Reckless Possession of an Explosive Device in a Private Habitation (Penal Code 18715(a)(3)), a felony.

The case was investigated by Detective Matthew Phillips of the Manteca Police Department, whose extensive high-tech and computer forensics expertise was instrumental in identifying the suspect, uncovering critical digital evidence, and bringing the case to resolution.

In 2019, the adult victim allowed Bell and his then-girlfriend to stay in her home due to financial hardship. After the girlfriend moved out, the victim began receiving threatening text messages from an unknown individual demanding that she engage in sexual acts with Bell, under threats of death. The messages led the victim to believe her home was under surveillance, and she feared for her family’s safety.

Approximately one year later, the threats escalated, with messages ordering the victim’s teenage daughter to engage in sexual acts with Bell, accompanied by threats to kill the family. Bell sexually assaulted the minor and recorded several of the acts.

After months of ongoing threats, the adult victim became suspicious that Bell was responsible and contacted the Manteca Police Department. While reporting the incidents, the victim received additional threatening messages from Bell, including photographs of what appeared to be homemade explosive devices inside her garage.

During the investigation, detectives conducted a forensic review of Bell’s electronic devices, uncovering video evidence of the sexual assaults and proof that Bell had been sending the threatening messages while posing as another individual. Officers also located homemade explosive devices. Bell later admitted he had learned how to manufacture explosives during his military service.

“The defendant used fear, deception, and threats of extreme violence to prey upon this family,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who commit sexual violence—especially against children—will be relentlessly pursued and prosecuted in San Joaquin County.”

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victim in coming forward, the diligent investigative work of the Manteca Police Department detectives, the dedicated support provided by Victim Advocate Laura Reeves, and the skilled prosecution by Deputy District Attorney Elaine Casillas, and remains committed to holding offenders accountable while supporting survivors of violent and sexual crimes.