7 arrested in weeklong East Bay sweep targeting adults seeking to meet children for sex
BRENTWOOD -- A Contra Costa task force arrested seven people during a weeklong "Operation Spring Cleaning" against child sexual abuse that also rounded up 40 illegal firearms and impounded five vehicles.
Brentwood police announced Friday it hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a week-long operation targeting adults who were seeking to meet minors for sex, with the goal of identifying victims of child sexual abuse.
Fifteen law enforcement agencies logged more than 1,200 law enforcement work hours throughout the week of May 31, Brentwood police said Friday.
The ICAC Task Force also seized 39 electronic devices and executed eight search warrants
Authorities arrested 29-year-old Nhouel Dulay of Oakley, 42-year-old Michael Patterson of Brentwood, 43-year-old Jeffrey Pallesen of Stockton, 25-year-old Carlos Vera of Brentwood, 21-year-old Edward Stinson of Merced, 54-year-old Robert Stearns of San Ramon, and 29-year-old Randall Alston of Berkeley.
All have been arrested and remain in custody as of Friday, pending preliminary hearings.
Brentwood police said the ICAC program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children.
The program includes forensic and investigative services, training, technical assistance, victim services, and community education.