Costa Mesa Police Seeking Possible Additional Victims in Ongoing CSAM Investigation
Above: Jonathan Garduno (L) and Khyla Kauffeld (R)
Photos courtesy of Costa Mesa PD
Costa Mesa police are reportedly looking into the possibility of additional victims in connection with an ongoing investigation into a couple recently arrested on child pornography charges.
In a press release, the Costa Mesa Police Department identified Jonathan Garduno, 30, and Khyla Kauffeld, 29 — both of Lake Forest — as the suspects.
Police say that on Sept. 7, Garduno arrived in Costa Mesa to meet with someone whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl. The “girl” was actually an undercover detective. Garduno was arrested at the scene and his phone was taken as evidence.
Garduno posted bail the same day, police said.
Investigators reportedly discovered images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Garduno’s phone, along with evidence of distribution to others. Garduno’s live-in partner, Kauffeld, was also identified as a suspect in the case.
On Sept. 13, detectives carried out a search warrant at Garduno’s home in Lake Forest, reportedly seizing additional evidence of CSAM. This time, both Garduno and Kauffeld were arrested.
Garduno was booked on suspicion of possession of child pornography, sending/selling child pornography, and distribution of obscene matter depicting minors. Kauffeld was arrested on suspicion of the possession of child pornography.
Both later posted bail and were released, police said.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Costa Mesa police investigators are looking to identify any other potential victims. They encourage anyone with information relevant to the case to contact Detective Gardner at 714-754-4937.
