Crime & Safety

Teen Arrested on Child Porn Charges After 'Hanging Around' Peninsula Gymnastics Class

The 19-year-old suspect was allegedly taking pictures of young children on his cell phone.

 

San Mateo police arrested a 19-year-old man on child pornography charges on Wednesday evening after a parent reportedly spotted the man taking pictures of young children on his cell phone and "acting suspiciously."

A concerned parent at Peninsula Gymnastics, located in the 1700 block of Leslie Street, reported the incident to police at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

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The parent reported seeing the man, identified as Edward George Mielke of Los Altos, "hanging around" the location for the past several weeks, according to Norris.

Responding 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.

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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.

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 charges of 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.

A message from the police:

This is a great example of a concerned parent following instincts on a suspicious circumstance and contacting the police department – please call your local police department if you see or hear anything suspicious!

For 'In-Progress" Crimes – 911

Redwood City Police Dept. Main Line - 650-780-7100

Redwood City Police Dept. Investigations Division - 650-780-7131

Redwood City Police Dept. Crime Tip Hotline - 650-780-7110

 

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!

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