DATE/TIME: March 18, 2021 / 8:45 a.m.
INCIDENT: Subject Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography, Unreported Victims Urged to Respond.
LOCATION: 900 Block S. Pinon Lane, Big Bear City
SUSPECT: Cody Lopatriello, 21-year-old resident of Big Bear City
VICTIM(S): Minor Child or Children
SUMMARY:
The Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station recently received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a subject in the area uploading child pornography to a private Internet-based account. Several Internet Service Provider search warrants were written, which ultimately led detectives to the identity of the subscriber listed in the NCMEC report.
Through investigation, detectives determined the house to be located in the 900 block of S. Pinon Lane in Big Bear City and inhabited by a male subject identified as Cody Lopatriello. At approximately 8:45 a.m. on March 18, detectives and deputies served a warrant at Lopatriello’s residence.
Electronic devices containing files depicting child pornography were seized as a result of the residential search warrant. The devices will be forensically analyzed to establish the extent of illegal content or activities stored on them. Lopatriello was arrested at the scene and booked into the Big Bear Jail on a felony charge of possession of child pornography. Additional charges may be filed by the District Attorney’s Office, pending results of the forensic examinations of Lopatriello’s electronic devices. Cody Lopatriello remains in custody in lieu of $25,000 with an arraignment hearing set for March 22 in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Detectives believe additional unreported victims of child pornography possessed by Cody Lopatriello may exist. Anyone who thinks they may be an unreported victim is urged to immediately contact Det. R. Weddel at the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station, (909) 866-0100. Anonymous reports can be made by calling WETIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Tiffany Swantek, Media Relations
Station: Big Bear Sheriff’s Station
Phone No. (909) 866-0100
Case No. 062000963