Massive multi-agency sting nets 23 arrests, including two Anderson locals in child predator crackdown

During a multi-agency child predator operation throughout Northern California, the Anderson Police Department (APD) says 23 people were arrested, including two local predators.

From June 18 to July 1, the APD said the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and 29 different federal and local law enforcement agencies in the Northstate conducted what they call a large "CyberTip operation" targeting child predators.

Ultimately, police say the operation ended in 23 arrests across the Northstate. Of those, police say they arrested two people: James Schwede and Scott Hemme, both of Anderson.

In March, police say their detectives served a search warrant at Schwede and Hemme's home in Anderson. The warrant was reportedly obtained after ICAC received a CyperTip related to someone uploading child porn. While searching the home, police say detectives seized cell phones and computers.

After examining the electronics, police say they obtained arrest warrants for Scwede and Hemme for charges related to child porn. Then, on Friday, June 30, police say their detectives found and arrested both Schwede and Hemme and brought them into custody.

Last week, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office said the CyberTip operation yielded three other arrests in the county for charges related to possessing and distributing child porn.