Sex crimes investigators from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office have taken 19-year-old William V. Coultrip into custody on suspicions of using social media to target and exploit underage girls. According to a post on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, the arrest follows an investigation sparked by a July incident where a teenage girl was reported to have been victimized.
Detectives employed Automated License Plate Reader technology and social media scrutiny to identify Coultrip, a Pleasanton resident. The investigation brought to light his modus operandi, which consisted of engaging in hundreds of inappropriate conversations with underage girls via apps like Snapchat. Coultrip allegedly used pseudonyms such as "John Kelly" and "Josh Foire" while conducting these exchanges, some of which involved the sharing of Child Sexual Abuse Material. He is said to have met his victims by driving to them or by asking them to use public transportation.
Coultrip’s capture resulted from collaborative efforts between the San Mateo County Sheriff’s detectives and the Pleasanton Police Department, culminating in his arrest on many charges last Thursday. The charges he faces include Sexual penetration with a minor under age 18, Assault with intent to commit a felony, Arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes, Contacting a minor for sexual purposes, and Sending harmful matter to a minor.
The Sheriff's Office suspects there may be more victims yet unidentified and is urging the public to come forward with any relevant information. Detective Nicole Pitts can be contacted directly at [email protected] or 650-363-4060 for information. According to the official's statement, anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.
