A Santa Ana Police Department Civilian Investigator assigned to Special Investigations, as well as a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), discovered Santa Ana Resident Fernando Martinez, 41, was storing and trading uploaded images and videos with other users across online platforms.

The investigation began through multiple cyber-tips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), revealing over a thousand videos and images of child sexual abuse material. The SAPD Civilian Investigator subsequently identified Martinez after executing multiple (9) online search warrants.

On October 6, 2021, the SAPD Civilian Investigator and Detectives from the Special Crimes Section arrested Martinez. They seized an electronic device containing evidence relating to the downloading and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Martinez was arrested and charged with 4 counts of: Distribution of child pornography – 311.1(a) PC, Possession and control of child pornography – 311.11(a) PC, Possession of over 600 images – 311.11(c)(1) PC, Matter portraying sexual sadism or sexual masochism – 311.11 (c)(2) PC.

The SAPD is proud to be a partner in the Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) – a task force dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of persons involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the internet https://www.icactaskforce.org/.