The California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrested a man this week after a months-long investigation that uncovered one of the largest known collections of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) linked to a single suspect in California.
CHP Inland Division ISU investigators arrested Scott Raymond Cherko, 53, of Twentynine Palms, on Oct. 23, after a forensic analysis led the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to file charges. Cherko was booked on an arrest warrant for possession of CSAM and is being held on $80,000 bail.
Authorities say the investigation began in June 2024, when the CHP’s Computer Crimes Investigation Unit (CCIU) identified an IP address involved in large-scale CSAM downloads. Over the course of the investigation, officers obtained more than 300 gigabytes of suspected CSAM – one of the largest volumes associated with a single individual in California at the time.
On Aug. 21, 2024, CCIU investigators executed a search warrant at Cherko’s home in Twentynine Palms, seizing multiple digital devices. State officials say a forensic analysis confirmed extensive collections of CSAM.
“This case underscores our commitment to protecting California’s most vulnerable residents,” said CHP Information Management Division Chief Josh Ehlers. “Our investigators work tirelessly to uncover those who exploit children online, and this arrest demonstrates the CHP’s determination to hold these offenders accountable.”
The CHP said it remains committed to protecting children and providing the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California.
The post CHP arrests Twentynine Palms man in major CSAM case appeared first on KTLA.
