Penn Valley Man Arrested on Multiple Child Exploitation Charges Following Investigation
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“Penn Valley, CA – Matthew Christian Augustine, 50, of Penn Valley, remains behind bars following a sexual offense-related investigation.
The investigation began on the evening of Nov. 25 when the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) received a report of an alleged sexual offense that occurred on Nov. 23 involving a female child under the age of 10 years old that may have been recorded.
Based on the totality of the allegations at hand, an NCSO deputy immediately sought a search warrant for Augustine’s phone and electronic devices. The following day, on Nov. 26, the original NCSO deputy served the search warrant at Augustine’s residence in Penn Valley with NCSO Major Crimes Unit detectives.
Augustine was found to be in possession of multiple forms of child sexual abuse material and was arrested and booked into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility in the early morning hours of Nov. 27 for several alleged offenses, including: possession of child pornography – 311.11(A) PC; using a minor for obscene matter – 311.4(C) PC; covert videotaping – 647(J)(3)(A) PC; and annoying or molesting a child – 647.6(A(1) PC.
Since his arrest, NCSO detectives originally sought and received a bail enhancement of $300,000 to $500,000 per alleged offense and have been working closely with investigators of the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office to process evidence.
As the case has continued to unfold, on Dec. 4, NCSO detectives added a new arrest charge for Augustine for alleged lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 by force/fear/duress – 288(b)(1) PC.
The investigation into Augustine remains active and evidence obtained thus far indicates the likelihood of more child victims. Those who suspect their child may have been a victim or involved inappropriately with Augustine are urged to call NCSO’s Major Crimes Unit at (530) 265-1471.
Augustine is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5. ”
