Kerman police arrested Benjamin Wiele, 40, after an investigation into suspected online child exploitation and the sharing of inappropriate images, authorities said.
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Kerman police arrested a 40-year-old man Wednesday following an investigation into suspected online child exploitation, the department said.
Benjamin Wiele of Kerman was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to police.
The investigation began in July after Kerman police detectives followed up on a CyberTip received from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding suspected online child exploitation.
Detectives investigated the tip and developed information indicating Wiele had been sharing inappropriate images online, police said.
Following an extensive investigation, Kerman detectives, with assistance from the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence in an unincorporated area of Kerman.
Detectives contacted Wiele at the residence and seized electronic devices believed to contain evidence related to the investigation. The devices will undergo forensic examinations as the investigation continues, police said.
Wiele was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail.
Got a Tip?
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kerman police Sgt. Clark at (559) 550-0798.
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