SOUTHLAND – (INT) - A yearlong, multi-agency operation has identified more than 500 suspected distributors of child sexual abuse material and led to 42 arrests. The campaign was led by the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team and began in March 2025.

The goal, known as Operation Volcano, focused on high-risk offenders and dismantling online exploitation networks operating within the region.

Authorities identified more than 500 unique Internet Protocol (IP) addresses associated with the distribution of child sexual abuse material on peer to-peer networks. Each case was evaluated to identify high-risk offenders, including individuals with prior sex offense histories, those under active criminal justice supervision, and individuals in positions of public trust or working in professions that serve children.

Fourteen of those arrested were identified as high-risk offenders. The list included a child psychologist, a naturopathic doctor, a retired law enforcement employee, a California prison information technology employee, a local government planning director, a Southern California hospital chief technology officer, a notary public, a United States Postal Service employee, two corporate vice presidents, and three registered sex offenders.

Story Date: May 13, 2026