NorCal Man Arrested For 600+ Child Sex Abuse Images: CHP

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Highway Patrol’s Computer Crimes Investigation Unit apprehended a Placer County man this week in connection with the distribution of a large volume of child sexual abuse material online, the state agency said Thursday.

The CHP said Marc Hinahon Aquino, 21, was arrested after a monthslong investigation that began last December when the unit traced the illegal material to a residence in Lincoln.

Several computers and electronic devices were seized in July when the unit served a search warrant at the residence. The CHP said Aquino was at the residence when the search took place and was quickly identified by investigators as the primary suspect in the illegal activity.

It is alleged that in a thorough examination of the seized devices, investigators uncovered over 600 images depicting children ranging from toddlers to prepubescent teens — and evidence connecting the images to Aquino, the CHP said Thursday in a statement.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Aquino and he surrendered to CHP custody Wednesday.

"Our team’s relentless commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable members cannot be overstated," CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "Their dedication and meticulous efforts in this investigation have led to the apprehension of an individual who was preying on innocent children. I commend our investigators for their tireless work and collaboration with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served and to safeguard California’s communities."

Aquino was booked into the Placer County jail on suspicion of possessing material depicting sexual conduct of a minor. He remained in custody Friday with bail set at $50,000.

The CHP was assisted by the Lincoln Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force.