Valley Sex Offender Caught Photographing Kids Heads To Prison

LOS ANGELES, CA — A convicted sex offender caught photographing children at a San Fernando Valley mall is to be sentenced to prison today thanks to an astute community member, who reported him to the police.

Fifty-seven year old Warren Alec Johnson, of North Hills is expected to be sentenced to about 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty for possession of child pornography. Johnson, a construction worker, was caught photographing children attending an elementary school fundraiser at a restaurant in a Granada Hills strip mall in 2014. A witness became suspicious of his behavior and reported him to authorities.

Federal agents raided his home and found a compact disc containing at least one image of child pornography involving a minor under the age of 12, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Following a years-long investigation, including a search for victims, Johnson could be sentenced to as much as 20 years in prison. Prosecutors are recommending Johnson serve no more than a dozen years behind bars.

"As a result of his prior conduct which indicates a sexual interest in children, information obtained in relation to the 2008 investigation, and materials seized during the search, authorities suspect that Johnson may have had improper conduct with minors," the FBI said in a statement after Johnson was charged in Los Angeles federal court in 2015.

He was arrested on suspicion of child annoyance, and investigators suspect he may have additional victims.

Johnson was previously convicted in 2008 of possession of child pornography.

City News Service and Patch staffer Paige austin contributed to this report. Images courtesy of the FBI.