A yearlong investigation named Operation Volcano led to the arrest of 42 individuals in Riverside County for distributing child sexual abuse material.
The operation, spearheaded by the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET), targeted high-risk offenders and dismantled online exploitation networks.
The operation, conducted from March 2025 through March 2026, was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the California Highway Patrol, and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces in Los Angeles and San Diego. The nonprofit organization O.U.R. Rescue provided crucial resources and support throughout the investigation.
Authorities identified over 500 suspected distributors by tracking Internet Protocol (IP) addresses on peer-to-peer networks. This led to the execution of 46 residential search warrants and the arrest of 42 suspects, including a child psychologist, a retired law enforcement employee, two corporate vice presidents, and a local government planning director. Among those arrested were three registered sex offenders and an individual with a $2 million arrest warrant for child sexual assault.
The operation also resulted in the rescue of 37 teenagers across Southern California and neighboring states like Arizona and Nevada. These efforts highlight the Inland Empire as a significant area for child sexual abuse and trafficking, with dedicated task forces working to combat these issues.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to examine digital evidence to build cases against the suspects. More details on the operation can be found on the Riverside County District Attorney’s website.
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