ELK GROVE, Calif. – An Elk Grove man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material after a three-month investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Computer Crimes Investigation Unit (CCIU).
Michael Anthony Garcia, 66, is facing felony charges for violation of PC 311.11(C) 1. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on a $50,000 arrest warrant.
“The CHP’s commitment to public safety extends beyond the highway,” said CHP Deputy Commissioner Troy Lukkes. “Protecting the public from crimes of victimization and investigating those who engage in child exploitation is a top priority for members of our Computer Crimes Investigation Unit.”
The investigation by the CHP began in April when an investigator in CCIU identified an Internet Protocol address (IP address) in Elk Grove that was suspected of downloading and distributing a significant quantity of child sexual abuse material.
After determining the exact location of the residence, a residential search warrant for the address was served in May. Garcia was identified as the sole occupant of the residence. Over the next several weeks, CCIU investigators forensically analyzed multiple computers and storage media seized from the residence. The analysis revealed more than 44,000 pictures and videos of children ranging in age from 3 to 13, totaling almost 200 gigabytes.
On Wednesday, CCIU investigators, along with the CHP Valley Division Warrant Service Team, served an arrest warrant in the 8900 block of Vista Campo Way, where Garcia was taken into custody without incident.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
