SAN FRANCISCO—Several arrests have been made in connection with a child pornography distribution ring that was connected to several individuals in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento, according to a press release from the San Francisco Police Department. The SFPD Internet Crimes Against Children Unit began its investigation in late March of 2016.
ICAC was investigating several individuals for uploading and distributing child pornography through the internet. The investigation first revealed two suspects, Gary Waite, 38, and Danica Morais, 34, both from San Francisco, who were involved with uploading and distributing child pornography involving children under the age of 10 through several online sites.
On June 28, on the unit block of Jones Street, ICAC arrested Waite who was then charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. Through the arrest of Waite ICAC was able to determine that Wait had distributed child pornography to another San Francisco resident.
Lorenzo Brown, 36, the investigation determined, had saved child pornography that had been sent to him by Waite. On August 3, Brown was already in custody at the San Mateo County Jail for unrelated charges, and was charged for possession of child pornography for the San Francisco case.
On June 29, Morais was arrested by SFPD officers on the 100 block of Topeka Avenue and charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. As a result of Morais’ arrest ICAC was able to determine that the suspect had distributed porn to individuals in Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Members of the Los Angeles ICAC Task Force served a search warrant at a residence on Wilshire Boulevard on August 16. Justin Tomblyn, 35, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.
Around mid-September members of the Sacramento Valley ICAC Task Force served a search warrant at a residence in Sacramento County. The Sacramento ICAC arrested Michael Brown, 42, and charged him with possession of child pornography as a result of Morais’ arrest.
San Francisco News emailed the SFPD for more information, and is awaiting reply. The SFPD stated that anyone who was a victim or had any suspicious contact with any of the suspects can contact the Special Victims Unit at (415) 558-5500.
