Five men arrested on child pornography charges during Operation Inland Regional Round-up
“At least five suspects involved in the possession and distribution of child pornography were arrested in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties during Operation Inland Regional Round-up, according to news releases by four stations in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The operation “included all members of the FBI’s Inland Regional Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force,” and is “part of a continued effort to encourage collaboration with local, county, state, and federal partners to maximize the effectiveness of law enforcement response to investigative matters relating to violent crimes against children,” according to the news releases from the Yucaipa, Victorville, Apple Valley, and Chino Hills Stations.
“Subjects of these investigations reside in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and are believed to be exploiting children by producing child sexual abuse material through sextortion or coercion or continuing the abuse by distributing child sexual abuse material. The task force fosters a victim-centered approach and prosecutes at both the state and federal levels.”
Operation Inland Regional Round-up took place on June 23rd and resulted several arrests, including these five men:
Matthew Bates (24) of Yucaipa was arrested for both the possession and distribution of child pornography. He was booked at Central Detention Center and is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Christian Tinajero (24) of Victorville was arrested for possession of child pornography. He was booked at High Desert Detention Center and is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Johnny Blevins (85) of Victorville was arrested for possession of child pornography. He was booked at High Desert Detention Center and is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Kenneth Sockwell (64) of Apple Valley was arrested for distribution of child pornography. He was booked at High Desert Detention Center and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Christopher Eddy (45) of Pomona was arrested for possession of child pornography. He was booked at West Valley Detention Center and is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
“One of the goals of the Inland Regional Child Exploitation and HT Task Force is to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement resources through well-coordinated, deliberate effort seeking the most effective investigative and prosecutorial avenues to convict and incarcerate dangerous offenders. Operation Inland Regional Round-up illustrates how that goal is currently being met,” according to the news releases.
“The following departments directly contributed to the success of the overall operation: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Colton Police Department, San Bernardino Police Department, Fontana Police Department, Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside Police Department, Ontario Police Department, Rialto Police Department, Upland Police Department, Riverside Sheriff’s Office, Menifee Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole), Desert Hot Springs Police Department, Murrieta Police Department, LA Sheriff’s Department, San Diego District Attorney’s Office (SD ICAC), and USAO – Riverside.” “
