An Antioch man is now in custody after being charged with possessing child sexual abuse material, as announced by the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office. Ryan Allen Fenton, 32, was arrested by Walnut Creek Police, following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that uncovered substantial evidence. The initial complaint was filed on February 3, and after further evidence was found, it was amended and refiled yesterday.
Fenton faces a four-count felony complaint, which includes two felony counts for possessing over 600 images of child or youth pornography on October 23, 2024, and yesterday, along with two additional felony counts for possessing child or youth pornography on the same dates, respectively. As reported by Contra Costa County government's official website, District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized that "The possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime; it is an act that perpetuates the sexual abuse of children and fuels a criminal enterprise." Fenton was arraigned today and remains in custody with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 9th.
Simultaneously, a related investigation by the Walnut Creek Police detected more than just illegal images at Fenton's residence. According to a social media post from the Walnut Creek Police Department, detectives discovered suspected illegal fireworks while serving a search warrant at Fenton's home on Lipton Street. The Bomb Squad, along with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District's Hazardous Materials team, was called in to evaluate and secure the scene. Both teams have cleared the area and have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
