SHINGLETOWN, CA — July 3, 2025 – The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has confirmed the arrest of a 52-year-old Shingletown man, Daniel Ray Michael, in connection with the possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The arrest follows an investigation initiated by a case referral from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a national effort to combat online child exploitation.

Case Details and Investigation

According to officials, the SCSO Major Crimes Unit received the referral from ICAC indicating that an individual residing in Shingletown may be in possession of explicit materials depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. After receiving the tip, investigators worked diligently to identify the suspect, gather digital evidence, and confirm the location involved.

The suspect was ultimately identified as Daniel Ray Michael, a resident of the 30000 block of Plateau Pines Road in Shingletown. Authorities obtained a search warrant for the property as part of their investigation.

Arrest and Charges

On July 3, 2025, detectives from the Shasta County Major Crimes Unit executed the warrant and arrested Michael at his residence without incident. He was taken into custody and booked on charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material, a felony offense in California that carries severe legal consequences.

Further details regarding the volume or nature of the materials found have not yet been disclosed, as the case remains under active investigation.

Sheriff’s Office Statement

In a public statement, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on crimes involving the exploitation of children:

“The possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material is a reprehensible crime that inflicts lasting harm on victims. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work in close partnership with state and federal task forces to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in the exploitation of minors. We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Legal Consequences

Possession of CSAM is a serious felony in California, and if convicted, Daniel Ray Michael could face:

• A prison sentence
• Mandatory registration as a sex offender
• Possible restrictions on internet access
• Lifetime supervision depending on the extent of the offense

The investigation may also explore whether there was any attempt to distribute or produce the material, which would result in additional, more severe charges.

Community and Internet Safety

This case underscores the importance of continued vigilance in combating online crimes against children. The ICAC Task Force—comprised of federal, state, and local agencies—works across jurisdictions to track digital footprints, identify offenders, and remove harmful content from circulation.

Parents and guardians are reminded to:

• Monitor children’s internet use
• Teach safe online practices
• Report any suspicious activity involving minors to law enforcement or child advocacy organizations

How to Report

If you suspect someone is involved in the possession, production, or distribution of CSAM, you can make an anonymous report through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at CyberTipline.org or by contacting your local sheriff’s office.

📝 Summary

• Suspect: Daniel Ray Michael, 52
• Location: 30000 block of Plateau Pines Road, Shingletown, CA
• Arrest Date: July 3, 2025
• Charges: Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
• Investigating Agency: Shasta County Sheriff’s Office – Major Crimes Unit
• Referral Source: Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with relevant information regarding this case or similar incidents to contact the Major Crimes Unit directly.

This arrest highlights the critical need for community involvement in identifying and reporting crimes that exploit vulnerable individuals. The fight to protect children continues—both online and in our neighborhoods.