March 27, 2024 - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office officials report that in December of 2023 The El Dorado County High Tech Crimes Unit began an investigation into Darren Gunter for possessing and distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (commonly referred to as Child Pornography) after receiving multiple Internet Crimes Against Children CyberTips. While building the investigation, The El Dorado County Detective's Property Crimes Unit received reports of a subject matching Darren's description breaking into multiple apartments within the Cameron Oaks apartment complex at 2640 Cambridge Rd. The items reported stolen during the burglaries were 15 to 20 pairs of underwear, a bed sheet and backpack belonging to a child. It was also reported Darren was observed peering through bedroom windows at night and videotaping children around the apartment complex.
Detectives quickly identified Darren Gunter through video surveillance and realized the break-ins and reports of distribution and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material were the same person. On March 22, 2024, a search warrant was served at Darren Gunter's residence where several electronics and items were taken from the home. A cursory search of his electronics found numerous Child Sexual Abuse images and videos of children believed to be much younger than 12 years old, as well as chats with minors online, and other extremely graphic and disturbing content. Gunter was formally charged by the El Dorado County District Attorney on March 25, 2024, with multiple counts of possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, multiple counts of distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material, one count of solicitation of a minor for production of Child Sexual Abuse Material and two counts of First-Degree Burglary. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. Gunter is currently being held on zero bail.
If you have any information or believe you were a victim, please contact Detective Aaron Cuddeback of the High-Tech Crimes Unit at 530-642-4724 or Detective Lyndell Scarr of the Property Crimes Unit at 530-642-4729. You can also email hightech@edso.org.
Source & photo: El Dorado County Sheriff's Office
