A Santa Maria man has been arrested after police detectives launched an investigation earlier this year when they received information alleging that he possessed child pornography, according to Sgt. Andy Magallon of the Santa Maria Police Department.
The investigation began in June and led to a search warrant at the man’s residence within the city, Magallon said.
Multiple follow-up search warrants were conducted in the following months.
During the investigation, detectives were able to identify a possible child sexual abuse victim, leading to a warrant for the man’s arrest.
Joel McClain, 31, was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of possessing child pornograpthy, possessing child pornography with intent to distribute, and continuous sexual abuse of a child.
His bail was set at $350,000.
Detectives are continuing their investigation and asked that anyone with information about the case call 805.928.3781 x277 or contact Detective Mathew Silver at 805.928.3781 x1346.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.