What began as a family member scrolling through a 34-year-old Rohnert Park man's phone ended with a call to law enforcement and an arrest, according to authorities. Deputies say the suspect, Andrew Nunez, was booked into the Sonoma County jail and faces multiple counts, including possession of child pornography and lewd acts with a minor. The sheriff's office says the investigation is still active as detectives gather evidence.
How the case unfolded
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, police were contacted on Dec. 6, 2023, after a family member discovered videos on Nunez's phone that raised a serious alarm. Investigators identified material they believe depicts a minor and moved quickly to make the arrest, the outlet reported. The Chronicle noted that officers booked Nunez on multiple counts tied to exploitation and lewd conduct.
Booking and court records
Public case indexes and the county court portal show the defendant was processed into the Sonoma County jail system following the arrest and that the case has been referred for potential formal charges. The Sonoma County Superior Court maintains an online case-search portal where filings and hearing dates are posted, and reporters have noted the booking in court records. Prosecutors are reviewing the evidence before deciding whether to file charges.
Police statement and investigation
Per the San Francisco Chronicle, the sheriff's office said the arrest followed an inquiry into the videos and that investigators are asking anyone with information to contact detectives. Officials have not released additional details about the alleged victim or a timeline for arraignment, citing the need to protect the ongoing probe and the minor involved. Investigators told reporters they are still collecting digital evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
What the law says
The charges being reported would fall under California statutes that make lewd acts on a minor and possession of child sexual-abuse material felonies. Penal Code §288 covers lewd and lascivious acts with a child, while Penal Code §311.11 addresses possession of matter depicting sexual conduct by someone under 18. Convictions can carry prison terms and require sex-offender registration. The exact charges and potential penalties will depend on what prosecutors file and what the court ultimately finds.
Local context
Observers note that investigations into child sexual exploitation have surfaced periodically across Sonoma County. A 2019 Rohnert Park prosecution that ended with a high-profile arrest and the discovery of hundreds of images drew intense local coverage.
What's next
The case remains in the investigative phase while prosecutors review records and evidence before any formal filing. Court dockets and official statements are expected to provide the next round of public details, and this report will be updated as new information becomes available.
