Costa Mesa man arrested for alleged possession and distribution of child pornography

COSTA MESA, Calif. (KABC) — A 24-year-old Costa Mesa man was arrested Friday on suspicion of possession and distribution of child pornography. Police believe there are other possible victims.

Tanner Shallahamer is accused of exchanging images and videos of child pornography with 30-year-old Jonathan Garduno of Lake Forest.

Garduno was arrested on September 7 after allegedly attempting to meet a 15-year-old girl, who police said was a detective who had posed as a minor online.

Garduno's arrest led to the execution of a search warrant for his home and cellphone. Police said investigators then discovered that Garduno and Shallahamer had exchanged messages containing child pornography.

Police also believe Shallahamer sent videos of himself “stalking a woman while she was in bed” at her Costa Mesa home.

“Investigators continue to investigate Shallahamer for possible stalking of other women and teenage girls and implicating another male individual by sharing identifying information with the intent to commit a sex crime,” a police press release said.

Shallahamer's arrest is the third in the investigation. Garduno's girlfriend, Khyla Kauffeld, was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography after Garduno's home was searched.

Garduno is accused of possession of child pornography, sending/selling child pornography and distributing obscene material depicting minors.

Shallahamer posted bail and was released on Saturday. Investigators believe he may have stalked other victims in the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach areas and sent them nude photos of himself.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.