Peninsula Man Accused of Drugging, Sodomizing Young Boys

PACIFICA, CA – A Pacifica man has been arrested on a $2 million warrant after police say they connected him to several sexual assaults on minor boys over the course of nine years, alleging that he often used GHB, or the "date rape," drug on the boys.

On Thursday, 31-year-old Joseph Courtney was arrested by Pacifica police and taken to the Redwood City jail, officials announced Friday.

"The investigation by the Pacifica Police Department revealed that Joseph Courtney had an extensive history of criminal sexual behavior," police said following the arrest, indicating that his alleged crimes happened between 2007 and 2016.

Courtney is accused of using websites and smartphone applications to connect with victims. Police did not say how many people he is accused of assaulting but accused him of contacting minor males "for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse."

What's more, police say the man used drugs on his alleged victims.

"The sex acts perpetrated by Courtney often involved narcotics including GHB which is commonly referred to as the 'date rape' drug," police said.

Police say they booked Courtney on a slew of charges, including: sodomy of an unconscious victim, sodomy of a drugged victim, sodomy with force, sodomy in concert with another by force, oral copulation with force, robbery and possession of child pornography.

Officials are hoping that any additional possible victims come forward to speak with investigators. They are urged to call (650) 738-7314 and ask for an investigator or use the Pacifica PD tip line at (650) 359-4444.

(Booking photo courtesy of the Pacifica Police Department)