Piercy Man Arrested for Alleged Possession of CSAM, Failure to Register as Sex Offender
PIERCY, CA — “On 06/13/24, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspected child pornography being downloaded. The information was routed to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office based on the analysis from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
The report stated there were two files determined to contain content consistent with child pornography, which was being downloaded somewhere in Mendocino County. Investigators were provided with an I.P. address, which was found to be associated with 72-year-old John Laudenschlager Sr., residing in the Piercy area.
Sheriff’s Detectives authored warrants for multiple social media accounts belonging to Laudenschlager. During the analysis of the social media accounts, Detectives located a large amount of child pornography on the accounts associated with Laudenschlager.
Detectives established probable cause to search Laudenschlager’s residence, and a search warrant was obtained. The warrant included a digital search of all electronic devices in Laudenschlager’s control and any other materials which would be related to this investigation.
During a forensic search of the electronic devices collected from Laudenschlager’s residence, Detectives located a large amount of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), violating 311.11(c)(1) PC – Possession of child sexual conduct material of a quantity greater than 600 images of children under 12 years of age.
In December of 2024, Detectives filed a case with the Mendocino County’s District Attorney’s Office, which ultimately led to the arrest of Laudenschlager.
Because of the above-listed investigation, Laudenschlager was required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act under 290 PC.
On 08/19/26, Laudenschlager responded to the Sheriff’s Office to register pursuant to 290 PC. During the contact with Laudenschlager, Sheriff’s Deputies learned Laudenschlager was in violation of his felony probation terms (1203.2 PC) and had an active probation pick-up order issued for his arrest. Additionally, Laudenschlager was 14 days overdue for his 290 PC registration, which resulted in an additional charge of 290.012(a) PC – Failure to register as a sex offender.
During Laudenschlager’s arrest, a cell phone was collected from a vehicle associated with Laudenschlager, which was later provided to the Detective Unit for further investigation and analysis. Pursuant to the terms of Laudenschlager’s formal probation, a forensic search of the device was conducted.
After analysis of the device, Detectives located multiple files and photographs containing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), constituting an additional felony charge of 311.11(c)(1) PC – Possession of child sexual conduct material of a quantity greater than 600 images of children under 12 years of age, and 311.11(b) PC – Possession of obscene matter involving a child.
Laudenschlager’s probation terms prohibited him from possession of any CSAM or adult pornography, thus violating the terms of his felony probation adding the charge of 1203.2 PC – Probation violation.
Detectives authored another warrant for Laudenschlager’s residence. During the warrant service, Detectives located a firearm and live ammunition inside the residence.
Laudenschlager was determined to be prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior criminal convictions.
Laudenschlager was additionally charged with 29800(a)(1) PC – Possession of firearm by prohibited person, and 30305(a)(1) PC – Possession of ammunition by prohibited person.
During Laudenschlager’s initial release from custody, he signed a prohibited person’s relinquishment form, stating that he did not own, possess, or have under his custody or control any firearms or ammunition. Due to this signed declaration by Laudenschlager, he was also charged with 118 PC – Perjury.
Laudenschlager was later booked into the Mendocino County Jail for the above-mentioned charges where he is being held on a no bail status.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
