Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Isla Vista Man for Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a 19-year-old man for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared in a statement on January 14, 2026. 

The investigation began on December 5, 2025, after detectives received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Sheriff’s Office said.

The tip came through an Electronic Service Provider report, which alerted law enforcement to suspected criminal activity involving online content. Detectives identified the suspect as Levi Crabtree, a resident of the 800 block of Camino Pescadero in Isla Vista.

On January 8, 2026, detectives served a search warrant and an arrest warrant at Crabtree’s residence, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Isla Vista Man Arrested for Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Read more here: https://t.co/WTE7v7Lqyb

— SB Sheriff’s Office (@sbsheriff) January 14, 2026

Crabtree was taken into custody and booked at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail for 311.1(a) PC, a misdemeanor, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was later released after posting $10,000 bail.

Under California Penal Code 311.1(a), anyone who knowingly possesses, produces, or distributes/or intends to distribute any obscene material depicting a minor (under 18) engaging in or simulating sexual conduct may be punished by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing, and there is currently no information indicating any local victims.

Authorities have encouraged anyone with information related to the case to contact Sheriff’s Detectives at (805)681-4150. Information can also be submitted anonymously, by calling the tip line at (805)681-4171 or online at SBSheriff.org. 

The Sheriff’s Office urged parents and guardians to be engaged in their children’s online activity, recommending the use of privacy and parental controls, as well as openly talk about online safety. 

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to report suspected exploitation to law enforcement or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

NCMEC is a private nonprofit which works to find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation, and prevent child victimization, according to its website. The organization works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to help prevent child abductions, recover missing children, and offer services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation. 

In 2024, NCMEC assisted law enforcement, families, and child welfare professionals with more than 29,500 reports of missing children, according to the organization. The overall recovery of missing children reported to NCMEC throughout the year was 91%.