PRESS RELEASE

Date / Time:   November 1, 2022 / 8:00 a.m.

On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Rialto Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Detectives, along with Homeland Security Investigators from the Riverside Office, responded to the 3000 block of June Street in the City of San Bernardino to serve a search warrant related to the possession and distribution of child pornography.  Detectives arrested 21-year-old Antonio Mejia after finding him in possession of numerous illegal digital images and videos.  It was discovered that Mejia was employed as a substitute instructional aide at Kendall Elementary School in the City of San Bernardino.  Mejia was taken into custody at his residence without incident and was booked into the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department West Valley Detention Center for PC 311.11(a) – Possession of Child Pornography, PC 311.11(c)(1) – Possession of Child Pornography in Excess of 600 Images, PC 311.1(a) – Distribution of Child Pornography, and PC 311.3(a) – Manufacturing of Child Pornography.  He is currently being held on $25,000 bail.

The investigation revealed that Mejia was using social media and online gaming services to contact his victims.  At this time there is no indication that any of the victims are Mejia’s current or former students, however, detectives are completing a thorough investigation to ensure that none of the students from Mejia’s place of employment were victimized.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or information regarding any additional victims is urged to contact Lieutenant James Mills at (909) 820-2632.  Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463.