California man facing multiple charges for production of child pornography

Published 4:50 pm Thursday, August 6, 2026

QUINCY — A California man was arrested and charged with child pornography offenses following a months-long investigation headed up by the Quincy Police Department.

According to the arrest report, Rafael J. Valenzuela, 36, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., was arrested at his home before being extradited back to Quincy.

The investigation was launched in October 2025 following a cyber tip alleging Valenzuela’s involvement with child sexual abuse material. At the time, Valenzuela was residing in the 2600 block of Manor Hill Drive in Quincy. During the course of the investigation, Valenzuela moved to California.

In total, Valenzuela was charged with six counts, including three Class X felonies of production of child pornography with a victim under 13, and three Class 2 felonies of possession of child pornography.

In Illinois, a Class X felony is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. If Valenzuela is convicted or enters a guilty plea to any of the Class X charges, prison time is mandatory.

An arrest warrant on multiple charges of production and possession of child pornography was issued on May 20. QPD requested assistance in locating Valenzuela from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit.

A search warrant was executed at Valenzuela’s home on July 9, where he was taken into custody without incident. Valenzuela was lodged in the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department in California to await processing and extradition.

Following a court appearance on Wednesday, Valenzuela was ordered to be held in the Adams County Jail for the duration of the court case. The next scheduled hearing is set for Aug. 12.