Full Notification

MAN TO BE EXTRADITED FROM TENNESSEE FOR MOLESTING
TWO YOUNG ORANGE COUNTY BOYS

*Defendant’s friend is charged with molesting the same children; law enforcement is seeking the public’s help identifying potential additional victims

SANTA ANA – A man will be extradited to Orange County tomorrow from Tennessee on charges of sexually assaulting two young boys, whom he gained access to through a friend. The friend is charged with molesting the same victims. Jimmy Ernest Hutton, 24, Ooltewah, TN, is charged with four felony counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 for masturbation and oral copulation, one felony count of attempted sodomy of a person under the age of 16, one misdemeanor count of child annoyance, and sentencing enhancement allegations for lewd acts on multiple children and substantial sexual conduct with a child. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 60 years to life in state prison. Hutton is being held on $1 million bail and an arraignment date is to be determined.

In a separate but related case (Case #11CF2327), defendant Dustin James Elwood, 21, Tustin, is charged with three felony counts of oral copulation of a minor, two felony counts of sodomy of a person under 18, two felony counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 for masturbation, one felony count each of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger, sodomy of a person under 14, and possession and control of child pornography, and sentencing enhancement allegations for lewd acts on multiple children and substantial sexual conduct with a child. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 55 years to life in state prison. Elwood is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing Dec. 2, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

Beginning in September 2008, Elwood is accused of gaining access to three young boys, ages 7 to 11 years old, who were family friends. He is accused of sexually assaulting each of the boys on more than one occasion.

Elwood is accused of taking at least one photograph of himself sexually assaulting one of the children. In August 2011, the victim’s mother discovered a flash drive belonging to the defendant and found the pornographic photograph. Elwood was also in possession of several non-sexual photographs of him posing with as-of-yet unidentified children ranging in age from approximately 7 to 17 years old. The victim’s mother immediately contacted the Tustin Police Department (TPD). Elwood was arrested Aug. 23, 2011.

In the course of the investigation, TPD determined Hutton also gained access to the victims through Elwood. Hutton and Elwood are accused of being friends prior to the sexual assaults. Hutton is accused of sexually assaulting two of the boys.

Hutton is also accused of inappropriately hugging another 12-year-old boy, with whom he was acquainted.
Hutton has since moved to Tennessee and was arrested Oct. 11, 2011, by detectives from TPD, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Investigators from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. He will be extradited to Orange County tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, to face the sexual assault charges.

At the time of his arrest, Elwood was employed in Costa Mesa at Sky High Sports, a trampoline venue that caters to children.

Anyone with additional information or who thinks they have been a victim is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Lou Gutierrez at (714) 347-8794 or TPD Detectives Pam Hardacre at (714) 573-3248 or Sgt. Robert Wright at (714) 573-3257.

Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Herrera of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.