Santa Maria Police Detectives make arrest in child pornography and weapons investigation. 
Detectives with the Santa Maria Police Department recently concluded a months-long investigation into the possession and potential distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On July 15, 2025, investigators served a search warrant at a residence in the 800 block of Blanche Court.
During the warrant service, detectives contacted Juan Rodriguez, a 42-year-old Santa Maria resident. Inside the home, officers located more than 35 firearms, including numerous illegal assault rifles. Many of the firearms were unregistered or illegally configured under California law. High-capacity magazines were also recovered.
Rodriguez was booked into county jail on multiple felony charges related to CSAM and firearms violations. The investigation is ongoing as forensic analysis continues.
The Santa Maria Police Department is requesting anyone with information on this investigation contact Detective Ochoa at 805-928-3781 ext. 2460.
Lt. Van Meel
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781
