A months-long investigation led to the arrest Tuesday of a Santa Maria man suspected of possessing and distributing child pornography, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.
Juan A. Rodriguez, 42, was taken into custody after detectives served a search warrant at a residence on the 800 block of Blanche Court, Lt. Paul Van Meel said.
“Inside the home, officers located more than 35 firearms, including numerous illegal assault rifles,” Van Meel said. “Many of the firearms were unregistered or illegally configured under California law.”
High-capacity ammunition magazines also were recovered.
Rodriguez was booked into the county’s Main Jail on suspicion of multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse material and weapons violations, Van Meel said.
Rodriguez remained in custody Tuesday night, with bail set at $100,000.
Van Meel added that the investigation is ongoing while a forensic analysis continues.
The Police Department is requesting that anyone with information on this investigation contact Detective Kevin Ochoa at 805.928.3781 x2460.