February 19, 2023 – Monterey County Sheriff's Office reports that in August 2022, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported that an individual in 
California uploaded images containing Child Sexual Abuse Material to Snapchat, Inc. The internet connection at 13245 Cielo Azul, Castroville, CA, was identified as the location where the images were uploaded.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office detectives assigned to the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force identified Olidio Antonio Cruz Pineda as the owner of the device used to upload the Child Sexual Abuse Material.
On January 27, 2023, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit and Property Crimes Unit executed a court-ordered search warrant at the Castroville residence. Cruz-Pineda was arrested at home without incident.
The investigation revealed that Cruz-Pineda also sexually assaulted children under 14. Based on information gathered during interviews, there may be victims that have not been contacted. Victims of Cruz-Pineda’s crimes are believed to have resided in Sand City, Seaside, and Monterey, CA, between 2017 – 2020.
Cruz-Pineda was lodged at the Monterey County Jail on charges of Possession of Child Pornography and Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor. Cruz-Pineda’s bail was set at $200,000.
Any member of the community with information pertaining to this investigation, or who may have had inappropriate contact with Cruz-Pineda are encouraged to contact Detective Christian Zarate at 831-755-3809, or Detective Sergeant David Vargas at 831-755-3771.
The Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (SVICAC) helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. This support encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention, and community education.
Source: Monterey County Sheriff's Office
