CO found having sexual conversation with a minor
A 48-year-old Imperial man is facing a felony charge after he was allegedly found having communication with a minor for sex stated a press release from Imperial County District Attorney’s Office.
On Wednesday, Michael Erik Kullander was taken into custody by members of the Imperial Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Kullander was employed as a correctional officer at Centinela State Prison.
Once IV-ICAC discovered evidence of the sexually explicit conversations, Kullander was interviewed and arrested at the Centinela State Prison stated the press release.
Kullander was booked into county jail at 11 a.m. in suspicion of a sex offense involving a minor and his initial appearance before a Superior Court judge is pending.
The case is being prosecuted by the county District Attorney’s Office and Kullander is pending arraignment on the charges. His next court appearance is forthcoming, stated the press release. If convicted, the charges Kullander faces carry a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
The 48-year-old was also the Union President of the California Corrections Peace Officers Association, Centinela State Prison Chapter.
“The arrest of Kullander is an example of the effective collaboration between local agencies and our federal counterparts. The fact that individuals are using technology to commit crimes against children demonstrates the need for proactive investigations conducted through the Imperial Valley Internet Crime Against Children Task Force,” said Imperial County District Attorney Gilbert G. Otero.
“The team effort and diligent work of HSI Calexico Special Agents, the Imperial Valley ICAC and other law enforcement partners has allowed for another successful arrest,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations San Diego David Shaw.
“Identifying and putting a stop to the horrendous acts of these potentially dangerous predators is paramount in the commitment and effort of protecting our children and community.”