A Lake Forest couple was arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography on Friday, Sept. 13.
On Sept. 7, Jonathan Garduno, 30, went to Costa Mesa to meet with a 15-year-old girl he met online, according to a news release. The teen turned out to be a special Investigations detective who had posed as a minor.
Garduno, of Lake Forest, was arrested at the scene for attempting to meet a minor with intent to commit a sex act, and his cell phone was taken as evidence.
Detectives said they discovered numerous videos and photos of child pornography on the phone. They also discovered that he had distributed the material to others, including his girlfriend Khyla Kauffeld, 29, sheriff’s spokeswoman Roxi Fyad said. The number of photos and videos was not given.
On Friday, Costa Mesa police detectives, along with the Homeland Security Investigations – Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force, executed a search warrant at Garduno’s home, which he shared with Kauffeld. They discovered more evidence of child pornography, they said. Garduno and Kauffeld were arrested.
Both suspects were booked into the Costa Mesa jail to await charges of possession of child pornography. Garduno was also booked for sending/selling child pornography, and distribution of obscene material depicting minors.
The pair were released on bail Friday night.
Detectives say they are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying any possible, additional victims. Anyone with relevant information can contact Detective Gardner at (714) 754-4937.
Originally Published:
