FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2023
Contact: Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, 925-957-8638, [email protected]
7 Arrested, 40 Illegal Firearms Seized in Operation Spring Cleaning
Martinez, Calif. – In a multi-agency operation, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC) arrested seven individuals on various offenses related to lewd or lascivious acts involving children under 14-years-old.
As a part of Operation Spring Cleaning, task force partners conducted undercover chats with adults seeking to meet minors in late May and early June. Law enforcement efforts in Brentwood led to the arrest of seven men, the seizure of 40 illegal firearms, 39 electronic devices, and five vehicles. Six individuals have been charged by the DA’s Office and one is pending a filing review.
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “ICAC’s mission and dedication of keeping children in our communities safe has been tremendously effective. Brentwood Police Chief Tim Herbert, his staff, and our law enforcement partners from Oakley, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and Homeland Security deserve a very special thank you for their excellent work in Operation Spring Cleaning.”
The suspects were arrested on one or more of the following offenses: Lewd or lascivious acts involving children under 14-years-old, contact or communications with a minor, and arranging to meet with a minor for sexual acts [PC 644/288(a), PC 288.2, PC 288.3(a), PC 288.4(b)] Additionally, one individual possessed a loaded handgun. Police obtained a search warrant and later seized illegal assault weapons and ghost guns at his residence.
Arrest Dates of Charged Individuals:
May 30, 2023: 29-year-old Nhouel Dulay of Oakley
May 31, 2023: 42-year-old Michael Lee Patterson of Brentwood (Also, arrested on numerous firearms statutes)
June 1, 2023: 44-year-old Jeffrey Michael Pallesen of Stockton
June 1, 2023: 25-year-old Carlos Vera of Brentwood
June 2, 2023: 21-year-old Edward Stinson of Merced
June 2, 2023: 29-year-old Randell Alston of Berkeley
ICAC Task Force Members:
· Brentwood Police Department
· Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
· Concord Police Department
· Federal Bureau of Investigation
· Homeland Security Investigations
· Pittsburg Police Department
· Danville Police Department
· United States Secret Service
· Contra Costa Safe Streets
· Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
· Walnut Creek Police Department
· San Ramon Police Department
· Oakley Police Department
· Richmond Police Department
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC) helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about online safety and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org or the District Attorney’s website for further information.
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