COOL, Calif. — An investigation by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office High-Tech Crimes Unit has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Cool resident on multiple felony charges involving the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives arrested Stefan Schiopu on Oct. 1, 2026, after an investigation that began with a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The case has drawn particular concern because investigators learned that Schiopu worked as a paraprofessional aide at a local nonprofit school, where he reportedly worked directly with children and adults with autism.
Authorities said evidence discovered during the investigation raised concerns that another unidentified minor may have been victimized.
Investigation began with national tip
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives with its High-Tech Crimes Unit received information through NCMEC’s CyberTipline, which collects reports of suspected child sexual exploitation and refers information to law enforcement agencies for investigation.
NCMEC describes the CyberTipline as a national reporting system that helps authorities investigate suspected online child exploitation and identify potential victims.
The Sheriff’s Office High-Tech Crimes Unit, which is affiliated with the Sacramento Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, pursued the case through investigative work that included obtaining and serving multiple judicially authorized search warrants.
Detectives identified Schiopu as the suspect following their investigation, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigators cite concern for vulnerable community members
Investigators learned that Schiopu was employed as a paraprofessional aide at a local nonprofit school and worked with children and adults with autism.
The Sheriff’s Office said detectives acted quickly after learning about his employment and the population he served.
Schiopu was arrested Oct. 1. Detectives also served multiple court-authorized search warrants that day.
During the searches, investigators located evidence that led them to believe an additional, unidentified minor may have been victimized by Schiopu, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have not publicly identified the possible additional victim, and the information released does not establish the circumstances or extent of any alleged victimization.
The investigation remains an appeal for information from anyone who may have relevant knowledge of the case.
Suspect held without bail
Schiopu was booked into custody on multiple felony charges and is being held without bail, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The agency has not specified the individual charges in the information provided for this report. The allegations should not be interpreted as proof of guilt.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the legal presumption of innocence, stating that “an arrest is not a conviction.”
Schiopu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff’s Office asks public for information
Investigators are asking anyone with information about Schiopu or information that could assist the investigation to contact Detective Aaron Cuddeback with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office High-Tech Crimes Unit.
-
Detective: Aaron Cuddeback
-
Agency: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, High-Tech Crimes Unit
-
Phone: 530-642-4724
Anyone with potentially relevant information is encouraged to contact investigators directly.
For residents of Cool and the broader El Dorado County community, the case underscores the importance of reporting suspected child exploitation and providing law enforcement with information that may help identify potential victims.
Source: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office news release concerning the Oct. 1, 2026, arrest. Background information on the CyberTipline is available from the missingkids.org .
