A Stockton culinary arts teacher at Lincoln High School was arrested on suspicion of possessing more than 65,000 images of child abuse sexual material, the California Highway Patrol said Wednesday.
Nickolas Turpen-Arends, 40, was arrested Sept. 22 at his Stockton home after authorities served a search warrant at the residence. He was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail and has since posted bail.
The agency said Turpen-Arends’s arrest resulted from a monthslong investigation into an internet protocol address, or IP address. A preliminary forensic examination of a desktop computer in the home revealed child sexual abuse material, according to the CHP.
Investigators are conducting a comprehensive forensic examination of the computer, the CHP said.
“Our computer crimes investigators are essential to protecting innocent victims and ensuring offenders are held accountable,” CHP Capt. Melissa Kittell said. “I am proud of the tireless effort and dedication invested in this investigation, which ultimately resulted in the suspect’s identification and arrest.”
Lincoln High School Principal Katherine Bender said in an email that the school had been informed there was no evidence at this time that any district students were involved.
Bender said although the news release from CHP stated the investigation had been underway for months, the district became aware of the alleged conduct this week.
She said Turpen-Arends was placed on administrative leave pending further investigation and final charges.
“If your student has information or concerns related to Mr. Turpen-Arends, please direct them to their counselor, administrator, or any other trusted adult on campus,” the email stated. “Counselors will be on hand to talk with students in Mr. Turpen-Arends classes tomorrow and throughout the week.”
Anyone with additional information about Turpen-Arends or the case is encouraged to submit a tip at 1-800-TELL-CHP.
Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at vfranco@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Lincoln High teacher arrested after 65,000 child sexual abuse images found
