The U.S. Department of Justice announced federal charges against five people in Los Angeles and Orange counties in connection with a national crackdown on child sexual abuse offenders.
“Since the end of April, the FBI arrested 205 subjects across the country and rescued 115 children during Operation Restore Justice,” the DOJ stated in its news release Wednesday.
The following five individuals were arrested in the Central District of California, a seven-county jurisdiction that includes L.A. and Orange counties:
- Gregory Cole Jr., 30, of Lancaster
- Jose Olvera, 34, of North Hollywood
- Steven Martin Nuss, 66, of San Juan Capistrano
- David Eugene Parker, 55, of La Palma
- Andrew Castillon, 47, of El Monte
Cole was arrested on April 30 in Arizona after failing to appear at trial in March where he was found guilty in absetnia of one count of production of child pornography, one count of production of child pornography, one count of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of receipt of child pornograpy. Cole will be sentenced to between 15 years and life in federal prison during a hearing on June 23, according to the DOJ.
Olvera was arrested on May 1 on two counts of distribution of child pornography and five counts of possession of child pornography. Olvera has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial on June 23. He is being held in jail without bail.
Nuss was arrested on May 9 on a two-count indictment charging him with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Nuss pleaded not guilty to both charges and is being held without bond. He is scheduled to go to trial on July 1.
Parker was arrested on April 30 on two counts of possession of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bail. Parker is scheduled to appear in court on June 24.
Castillon was arrested on May 1 and charged with possession of child pornography. Castillon was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on May 27.
“Two additional individuals were arrested in Los Angeles for sexual exploitation of a child and charges of coercion and enticement, respectively; however, those cases are being prosecuted in separate districts,” the DOJ stated in the news release.
The FBI offers its Safe Online Surfing (SOS) program for parents and caregivers to stay engaged with their children’s online and offline activities.
The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through our tiplines at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
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