Oceano, California – A 46-year-old Oceano man was arrested after a child sexual abuse material investigation.
According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, detectives began investigating on Monday, Feb. 17, after receiving a report involving suspected child sexual abuse material.
During the investigation, authorities identified the suspect as Michael Schmidt, 46, of Oceano, who investigators say was employed by the San Luis Obispo County Health Department in its Information Technology division.
On Thursday morning, Sheriff’s Office detectives, working with the Fresno County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, served a search warrant at Schmidt’s residence in Oceano.
Schmidt was taken into custody without incident and was arrested for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said they also learned during the case that Schmidt served as a local Cub Scout leader in the Five Cities area, raising concerns about potential community exposure. Authorities have not released further details about whether additional victims or charges are involved.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500. Tips can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-7867.
Cases involving digital exploitation are commonly investigated through ICAC task forces, which coordinate federal, state, and local resources to identify suspects and remove illegal material from circulation.
The case may be particularly relevant to local students, families, and community organizations where youth programs operate.
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