Cub Scout Leader and SLO County Employee Arrested for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

A 46-year-old Oceano man employed by the San Luis Obispo County Health Department’s information technology division and serving as a Cub Scout leader in the Five Cities area was arrested this week on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to a sheriff’s news release, investigators opened the case after receiving a report of suspected child sexual abuse material on Feb. 17, 2026.

On the morning of March 5, Sheriff’s Detectives, assisted by the Fresno County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, served a search warrant at the Oceano residence of Michael Schmidt and took him into custody without incident.

Detectives said Schmidt was identified during the investigation and noted he is employed by the county health department’s IT unit. Investigators also learned he is a local Cub Scout leader.

Cub Scout leaders work with children roughly ages 5 to 10; Scouting America’s safety policies state leaders are not permitted to be alone with a Cub Scout and that at least two adults must be present at all times.

As of Friday afternoon, Schmidt was being held at the San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail, according to the sheriff’s office. No victim information was released.

Detectives are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500 or Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP (7867).