Washoe Sheriff cybercops nab child predator in Reno

Joshua Larsen, age 36 of Reno, was arrested by members of the Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (I.C.A.C.), on child Sexual Assault and multiple child pornography charges, including Use of a Minor in Producing Pornography.

Law Enforcement became aware of Larsen after a tip was provided to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s “Cybertipline.”

Larsen, a Reno resident was identified sending various child pornography files on the internet. He has been charged with manufacturing various child pornography images and distributing those files online. Larsen was also charged with Sexual Assault of a Child under 14, relating to the same images and conduct.

Larsen’s charges include: Use of a Minor in the Production of Child Pornography, Promotion of the Sexual Performance of a Minor, Possessing Pornography of a Person under 16, Sexual Assault of a Child under 14, and Lewdness with a Minor under 14. Most of the charges do not allow bail.

“Our investigation has identified the local child and we currently have no indication any other local victim’s exist,” Task Force Sergeant Dennis Carry with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said.

“It’s a sad day when law enforcement reports to the public, we’re kicking off National Child Abuse Prevention Month with yet another tragedy of a child predator choosing to victimize a child. This predator not only physically abused the child, but distributed images, which are now believed to be in the possession of other predators, throughout the world,” Sergeant Carry said. “This case highlights just one more example of the horrific ways predators abuse children, not only in our community, but worldwide.”

The Internet Crimes against Children Task Force consists of multiple law enforcement partners nationwide. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office continues to dedicate full time resources to protect children from predators. “We’re drowning in cases involving child victimization, and the problem only continues to grow,” Sergeant Carry said.

“Child victimization continues every day," said Carry. "We need our citizens to assist us in protecting our children by reporting incidents of suspected abuse, which can occur online and in person.”

Residents are encouraged to report any incident of child exploitation to law enforcement and through the Cybertipline at www.cybertipline.com.