Child Pornography Investigation Targets Dublin Swim Instructor

DUBLIN, CA — An 18-year-old man who worked as a swim instructor at The Wave waterpark in Dublin was arrested on suspicion of child pornography, according to officials. James Happ was taken into custody July 3 by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office after search warrants were served at a Dublin residence and at another home in Danville, according to the sheriff's office. During the searches, detectives found child pornography on electronic devices belonging to Happ, the sheriff's office said.

Happ was booked into Martinez Detention Facility and subsequently posted bail. As of Wednesday morning, his case had not been filed with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office, according to spokesman Scott Alonso.

On the day of his arrest, Happ was immediately terminated by the City of Dublin as a swim instructor at The Wave, according to a city statement. Happ served as a swim instructor for the past three years, the statement said.

All swim instruction is done in the presence of lifeguards and other swim instructors, and lessons take place in clear view of parents, the city stated. Although city officials said there is no cause to believe that any inappropriate behavior took place at The Wave, anyone with possible information about the case is asked to contact Dublin Police Services at (925) 833-6670.

While the investigation is ongoing in Dublin, the separate investigation in Contra Costa County also continues. According to media reports, Happ sometimes stayed with his father in Danville, and other times lived with his mother in Dublin. Anyone with any information can also contact contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600.