An investigation into the online sexual exploitation of children led to the arrest of a Santa Rosa man, as announced in a recent social media post by the Sonoma Sheriff. The investigation, which began in June of 2024, was prompted by a tip received by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit (CSI). This team is also a member of the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
The CSI detectives worked to systematically identify a suspect, which led them to a rural home in West Sonoma County. Their efforts culminated on Thursday when Domestic Violence Sexual Assault (DVSA) and CSI detectives served a search warrant at the residence of 26-year-old Jeremiah Ortega, located in the 800 block of Boyd Street. Ortega was subsequently taken into custody for felony possession of child pornography. The sheer amount of material found resulted in an enhancement charge, and detectives successfully argued for a bail increase of $250,000, making his total bail $271,000. According to the Sonoma Sheriff's social media post, Ortega remains in custody while the investigation continues.
Additional details about the ongoing investigation cannot be released at this moment.
