Child Sexual Abuse Images on Former Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Phone
Child sexual abuse images were discovered on a former Orange County Sheriff’s deputy phone. Recently, an investigation was launched amid suspicion that an Orange County sheriff’s deputy may have been in possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). As the investigation unfolded, the sheriff’s deputy, Fernando Melo Flores, resigned his position.
Flores, 40, was not only accused of having CSAM, but he is also facing charges for using a police database to obtain information on his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend, as well as violating a restraining order.
What is CSAM?
CSAM stands for Child Sexual Abuse Material. Essentially, any visual or audio content that depicts:
- A minor engaged in sexual activity, or
- The real or simulated sexualized depiction of a child’s body for gratification
Examples of CSAM / child sexual abuse images include, but are not limited to:
- Real images of child sexual abuse
- Videos of child sexual abuse
- Deepfakes or edits with a real child’s face on sexual content
It is illegal in virtually every country across the globe to produce, distribute, possess, or search for CSAM. In the United States, individuals associated with CSAM in almost any capacity will face serious felony charges.
A Restraining Order Led to the Recovery of Child Sexual Abuse Images
It was reported that Flores went to his ex-girlfriend’s home and harassed her with calls and texts. She responded by obtaining a restraining order against him. However, only one day after he was served with the order, the disgraced former sheriff’s deputy returned to the home of his ex-girlfriend.
The Orange County Police Department investigated these events, and they ended up finding many images of child sexual abuse on Flores’ phone.
If convicted on all counts, Flores could face up to four years and two months in prison.
What Can You Do if You Suspect CSAM Violations?
It can be overwhelming and confusing when you believe that someone you know may possess, be distributing, or producing CSAM. If this happens, it is important to know that there are steps you can take.
The first thing to prioritize your safety and that of any children who may be in imminent danger. Do not wait to call your local emergency number immediately if you believe a child is under threat. Next, never confront the person suspected of wrondoing yourself as this can be very dangerous. It can also interfere with any potential investigation.
You can contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyperTipline to report any incidents you suspect are occurring in the following ways:
- Online: report.cybertip.org
- Call: 1-800-843-5678
The following information can be helpful for an investigation:
- The username, profile, email, phone number, or account involved
- Devices used or IP info if you have it
- Any other details, such as dates or descriptions
You can report incidents of child abuse anonymously to NCMEC. The organization will review your report and take any credible leads to law enforcement, such as the FBI, ICE/HSI, local police, or task forces related to Internet Crimes Against Children.
You can also report to the platform where you saw it. Internet and social media platforms in the United States are legally required to report confirmed incidents of child sexual abuse images and CSAM. So, if you find CSAM on social media, messaging apps, websites, or other online forums, you can contact the platform directly.
You can also:
- Submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, or you may choose to contact your local FBI field office.
- Contact your city or county police non-emergency line
- Contact DHS Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-5669
Speak to a California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
If you have been affected by CSAM, you can have all of your questions answered by calling our California child sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. at (707) 576-7175.
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