CHP officer and Dept. of Corrections employee arrested in child predator sting
A Department of Corrections officer and a CHP officer have both been arrested in connection to an undercover operation targeting suspected child predators.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has conducted a months-long investigation into suspected online sexual exploitation and grooming of children, whom they say are at increased risk as COVID-19 continues to necessitate many activities and operations to be conducted online.
Undercover detectives would pose as minors on various apps and websites in an effort to shake out those attempting to meet minors for sex. Once such an attempt was made, detectives would arrest the suspect either at an agreed-upon meeting location or the suspect’s home.
One such arrest was that of 51-year-old Brian Pardue, a CHP officer. Another, 54-year-old Ricardo Mancillas, is a civilian employee of the California Department of Corrections.
Thirteen other suspects, ranging from 21 to 50 years old, were also arrested over the course of the operation.
