Crime & Safety

Los Altos Teen Arrested on Child Porn Charges Outside Gymnastics Club

The 19-year-old suspect was charged with possession of child annoyance and possession child pornography after police found mobile phone pictures of young children outside Peninsula Gymnastics on his cell phone.

A 19-year-old Los Altos resident has been arrested after a concerned parent contacted police about his behavior outside a San Mateo gymnastic facility.

Edward George Mielke was arrested on child pornography charges by San Mateo police on Wednesday evening after a parent reportedly spotted the man taking pictures of young children on his cell phone over a period of days and "acting suspiciously."

The parent, who called police at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, reported seeing Mielke "hanging around" Peninsula Gymnastics for the past several weeks, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

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Responding patrol officers contacted Mielke and were able to examine his cell phone. Though it appears Mielke didn't enter the facility or take pictures inside, the phone contained photos of some of the children outside the facility, Norris said.

The phone also contained numerous photos of other young children taken during physical activities at other unknown locations, and Internet child pornography downloaded from a foreign website, according to Norris.

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The children connected to Peninsula Gymnastics in the photos have been identified and their families have been notified, Norris said.

Officers arrested Mielke, and during a search of his home seized additional suspicious photographs and materials. Mielke was booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of possessing Child Pornography, and Child Annoyance.

The San Mateo Police Department is working with the staff at Peninsula Gymnastics to ensure that any students photographed or otherwise affected are appropriately addressed and to determine whether there was any inappropriate contact between Mielke and any youth, Norris said.

The following information was distributed by San Mateo Police via San Mateo County's alert service:

A message from San Mateo Police:

This is a great example of a concerned parent following instincts on a suspicious circumstance and contacting SMPD – Call us if you see or hear anything suspicious!

For 'In-Progress" Crimes – 911

For Non-Emergency Issues or Mobile Phones - 650-522-7700

Have information on current investigations or ongoing crime trends?

SMPD Investigations Bureau: 650-522-7650

SMPD Secret Witness hotline: 650-522-7676

Anonymous Text to SMPD: 650-262-3473

Follow us on Twitter! www.twitter.com/sanmateopd

Some Tips for Parents on “Stranger Danger”

Know where your children are at all times. Make it a rule that your children must ask permission or check in with you before going anywhere. Give your children your work and cell phone numbers so they can reach you at all times.

Point out safe places. Show your children safe places to play, safe roads and paths to take, and safe places to go if there’s trouble.

Teach children to trust their instincts. Explain that if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they should get away as fast as they can and tell an adult. Tell them that sometimes adults they know may make them feel uncomfortable, and they should still get away as fast as possible and tell another adult what happened. Reassure children that you will help them when they need it.

Teach your children to be assertive. Make sure they know that it’s okay to say no to an adult and to run away from adults in dangerous situations.

Encourage your children to play with others. There’s safety in numbers!

 

Also on Los Altos Patch: 

Police Calls: What Happens To a Purse Left on the Floor?

Caltrain Victim Identified as Palo Alto Man

Sketch Released of Amber Alert Suspect in Baby Case

Police Calls: Burglary and Ammo Destruction


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