Task Force Arrests 7 During Operation Spring Cleaning In Brentwood

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — In a multi-agency operation, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program arrested seven people on various offenses related to suspected lewd or lascivious acts involving children under 14 years old, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office announced.

As a part of Operation Spring Cleaning, task force partners conducted undercover chats with adults seeking to meet minors in late May and early June. Law enforcement efforts in Brentwood led to the arrest of seven men, the seizure of 40 illegal firearms, 39 electronic devices and five vehicles.

Six people have been charged by the DA’s Office and one is pending a filing review.

“ICAC’s mission and dedication of keeping children in our communities safe has been tremendously effective,” Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said. “Brentwood Police Chief Tim Herbert, his staff, and our law enforcement partners from Oakley, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and Homeland Security deserve a very special thank you for their excellent work in Operation Spring Cleaning.”

The suspects were arrested on one or more of the following offenses: lewd or lascivious acts involving children under 14 years old, contact or communications with a minor, and arranging to meet with a minor for sexual acts.

Additionally, one person had a loaded handgun. Police obtained a search warrant and later seized illegal assault weapons and ghost guns from his residence.

Names and arrest dates of those charged:

• May 30: 29-year-old Nhouel Dulay of Oakley
• May 31: 42-year-old Michael Lee Patterson of Brentwood (also arrested on numerous firearms statutes)
• June 1: 44-year-old Jeffrey Michael Pallesen of Stockton
• June 1: 25-year-old Carlos Vera of Brentwood
• June 2: 21-year-old Edward Stinson of Merced
• June 2: 29-year-old Randell Alston of Berkeley

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services and community education.

The following local and federal agencies are ICAC Task Force Members:

• Brentwood Police Department
• Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
• Concord Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Pittsburg Police Department
• Danville Police Department
• United States Secret Service
• Contra Costa Safe Streets
• Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office
• Walnut Creek Police Department
• San Ramon Police Department
• Oakley Police Department
• Richmond Police Department

The DA's Office encouraged parents to talk to their children about online safety. Families can visit kidsmartz.org or the District Attorney’s website for further information.