Martinez, Calif. – On Tuesday February 26, 2019, 21-year-old Martinez resident Aaron Mikkelsen pleaded guilty to one count of child molestation and was sentenced to six years in state prison. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable David E. Goldstein. Through his guilty plea, Mikkelsen admitted that he sexually molested a child under the age of 13 years old, in violation of California Penal Code section 288(a). Mikkelsen will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
On October 23, 2018, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant in Martinez related to Mikkelsen selling child pornography on social media. During the search, investigators discovered evidence that Mikkelsen had sexually abused a child under 13 years old. Investigators located a significant amount of child sexual abuse material on his cell phone and in various social media accounts.
“Protecting our children from hands on sexual abuse and online exploitation is a priority for this Office. Individuals who seek to victimize the most vulnerable members of our society will face significant consequences,” said District Attorney Diana Becton.
The investigation was conducted by a multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.
Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children, and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org or our websitefor further information.
