In a significant crackdown on child sexual abuse material (CSAM), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has arrested a Twentynine Palms man, identifying him as the holder of one of the largest known CSAM collections in California. According to KTLA, Scott Raymond Cherko, 53, was apprehended following a meticulous investigation by the CHP's specialized units.
The inquiry was sparked in June 2024, when the CHP's Computer Crimes Investigation Unit (CCIU) pinpointed an IP address actively involved in extensive CSAM downloads. The subsequent probe brought officers to Cherko's doorstep, culminating in the seizure of over 300 gigabytes of digital files during an August raid. These contents were later confirmed as CSAM following a rigorous forensic analysis.
The arrest, made on October 23, saw Cherko booked on an arrest warrant for possession of CSAM, facing charges filed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office. His bail is currently set at $80,000. In a statement tied to the California Highway Patrol Facebook page, CHP Information Management Division Chief Josh Ehlers expressed the authority's dedication to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.
"This case underscores our commitment to protecting California’s most vulnerable residents," Ehlers remarked. The CHP vowed to continue its unwavering efforts in safeguarding children and maintaining the highest level of safety and service for Californians.
