Detectives with the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force say they served a residential search warrant Thursday at a Woodland home tied to a local substitute teacher and youth coach, and they are asking anyone who thinks they may be a victim to come forward. Investigators identified the man as 41-year-old Kurt Willer, who has worked as a substitute teacher at Woodland High School and coached local youth teams. School officials have placed him on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. Authorities say evidence seized during the search indicates attempted grooming of underage females, and detectives want anyone with relevant information to contact investigators.
PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: ICAC INVESTIGATORS SEEK POTENTIAL VICTIMS IN WOODLAND CASE
Detectives with the Sacramento Valley ICAC Task Force are asking the public to contact investigators if they may have had interactions with the subject in this investigation. https://x.com/i/status/2050213025987391947
What investigators say
In a post by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office on X, detectives said they served a residential search warrant on April 30 at a Woodland residence and recovered evidence indicating possible grooming of underage females. The post lists two tip numbers, (916) 874-8477 and the sheriff’s non-emergency line at (916) 874-5115, and directs people to the department’s anonymous reporting portal. Investigators are urging parents and guardians to talk with children about any interactions that could be related to the case and to reach out if something seems off.
Who the ICAC task force is
The Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force is the regional unit that houses Internet Crimes Against Children investigations and partners with local, state and federal agencies to investigate online child exploitation. As outlined on the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office website, the task force conducts digital forensics on phones and computers and coordinates multiagency responses when cases cross jurisdictions. Because of that regional reach, the sheriff’s office is asking residents across the area to check their records and report any potentially relevant contacts.
How families can respond
Detectives are asking families who believe they or their children may have had contact with the subject to preserve messages, screenshots and other communications and to avoid sharing any explicit images. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children operates a CyberTipline and offers guidance on recognizing grooming behavior and documenting potential exploitation. Caregivers can find resources and reporting options through NCMEC’s CyberTipline. Investigators emphasize that even a single message or screenshot can matter to the case.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about interactions with the subject, or who believes they may be a potential victim, is asked to call the Sacramento County Sheriff’s tip line at (916) 874-8477, call (916) 874-5115, or submit an anonymous tip through the sheriff’s website.
