Freelance Photographer Arrested on Suspicion of Felony Sex Charges 

December 12, 2025 – Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail (SVD) investigators arrested Steven Jourdan Castro, 29, of Chino Hills, following allegations he engaged in inappropriate communication with a minor female between September and November 2025.

In November 2025, SVD investigators were contacted by the victim’s parents after they discovered inappropriate communications between their daughter and Castro. Investigators contacted the victim and initiated an investigation. The victim reported that Castro, while working as an independent freelance photographer at Pacifica High School, groomed her and engaged in inappropriate communication.

During the investigation, SVD investigators learned that Castro has worked as a freelance photographer for several high schools in north Orange County and the San Gabriel Valley.

Castro was booked into Orange County Jail for PC 288.2(a)(1), distribution of harmful matter to a minor; PC 288.3(a), contacting a minor with the intent to commit lewd acts; PC 288.4(a)(1), arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes, and PC 311.4(c), attempted sexual exploitation of a minor by soliciting images.

Due to Castro’s access to minors through his freelance photography work, SVD investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail at 714-647-7419 or 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS.

Source & photo: Orange County Sheriff’s Department