Operation Creep Sweep issues 21 search warrants linked to child sex crimes – Folsom Times

Sac Sherriff, Folsom Police are part of a multi-agency operation targeting internet child sex crimes

Detectives with the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Task Force and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) conducted a comprehensive investigation targeting the distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in Northern California and served 21 Search warrants in a cross-district operation.

The long-term investigation identified individuals who used sophisticated methods to distribute CSAM, also known as child pornography, to avoid detection. Investigators focused on high-priority targets based on the level of sophistication of their activities, the amount of files shared, positions of trust and access to potential victims.

The suspects were located in several Northern California counties, including Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Siskiyou, Mendocino and Nevada. The task force, in collaboration with nearly 30 affiliated agencies, conducted extensive follow-up investigations, including surveillance, search warrant preparation, and logistical coordination.

During the three-week operation in September, investigators executed 21 search warrants at targeted locations. The suspects came from a variety of professions, including pilots, scientific researchers, engineers, mechanics, IT specialists, independent contractors, retirees and parents.

Significant results of the operation included the rescue of two children under the age of four who were sexually abused by a relative. These assaults had not previously been reported to law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS). In another case, investigators discovered 30 illegal firearms in a suspect’s home.

A suspect was found to be in possession of over 4,600 CSAM files and 27,000 additional files containing child erotica. In total, more than 200 electronic devices as well as CDs, media storage devices and books containing children’s erotica were confiscated. Some of the materials included CSAM about BDSM and CSAM involving torture.

Investigators confiscated 61 devices in one apartment alone. After the initial searches, they conducted further investigations, including forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices and additional interviews. Arrest warrants have been issued in several cases and more are still pending as the forensic review is ongoing.

At least two cases are being considered for federal prosecution. In one case, a suspect quit his job and fled the country after learning of the investigation.

The interagency effort included collaboration with the following agencies: Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office; California Highway Patrol-CCIU; California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); homeland security investigations; Sutter County District Attorney’s Office; Marysville Police Department; Yuba City Police Department; Yuba County Sheriff’s Department; Yolo County Sheriff’s Office; Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office; California Department of Fish and Wildlife; California Department of Justice; Redding Police Department; Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and Etna Police Department; Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office; Placer County District Attorney’s Office; Sacramento Police Department; Folsom Police Department; Elk Grove Police Department; Citrus Heights Police Department; Sacramento County Probation Department; weed police; Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office; Tracy Police Department; Trinity County Sheriff’s Office; Grass Valley Police Department; Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities continue to pursue arrests and forensic reviews of the seized devices.