Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 23, 2022
 
INCIDENT: PC 311.2, Distribution of Child Pornography 
 
LOCATION: Town of Apple Valley

SUSPECT: Kenneth Sockwell, 64-years-old, resident of Apple Valley
 
SUMMARY: On June 23, 2022, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Apple Valley Station and Specialized Investigations Division-Crimes Against Children Detail participated in Operation Inland Regional Round-up, which included all members of the FBI's Inland Regional Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The focus is to coordinate efforts combating violent crimes against children. Subjects of these investigations reside in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and are believed to be exploiting children by producing child sexual abuse material through sextortion or coercion or continuing the abuse by distributing child sexual abuse material. The task force fosters a victim-centered approach and prosecutes at both the state and federal levels.

This multi-agency operation is part of a continued effort to encourage collaboration with local, county, state, and federal partners to maximize the effectiveness of law enforcement response to investigative matters relating to violent crimes against children.
 
Through ongoing investigation, investigators determined child pornography was being distributed in Apple Valley via electronic means belonging to or associated with Kenneth Sockwell. Investigators determined Sockwell was responsible for the distribution of child pornography. 

At the conclusion of the investigation and as part of today’s operation, Sockwell was arrested for distribution of child pornography. Sockwell was subsequently booked into High Desert Detention Center and his bail was set at $100,000.00. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Melony Whitecloud or Detective Thomas Hollenbaugh of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.   

One of the goals of the Inland Regional Child Exploitation and HT Task Force is to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement resources through well-coordinated, deliberate effort seeking the most effective investigative and prosecutorial avenues to convict and incarcerate dangerous offenders. Operation Inland Regional Round-up illustrates how that goal is currently being met.

The following departments directly contributed to the success of the overall operation:
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Colton Police Department, San Bernardino Police Department, Fontana Police Department, Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Riverside Police Department, Ontario Police Department, Rialto Police Department, Upland Police Department, Riverside Sheriff's Office, Menifee Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole), Desert Hot Springs Police Department, Murrieta Police Department, LA Sheriff’s Department, San Diego District Attorney’s Office (SD ICAC), and USAO – Riverside.

Refer: Detective Melony Whitecloud and Detective T. Hollenbaugh, Crimes Against Children Detail

Station: Apple Valley Station

Case No. DR# 182201205 C#2022-072

Shannon Dicus, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department