Paulding Man Arrested On Child Sexual Abuse Charges

PAULDING COUNTY, GA — A man has been arrested after at least 1,400 videos and photos depicting child sexual abuse were found in his possession, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

Authorities said they were tipped off by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as well as Internet Crimes Against Children, in January.

At the time, the tip involved 117 files of suspected child sexual abuse material; however, later in the investigation, authorities said they located additional files.

Detectives spent months scouring "countless files containing unimaginably graphic material," authorities said.

Ultimately, Daniel Esquivel was identified as a suspect with use of his email, phone number and IP address, authorities said.

Detectives and the sheriff's office's Technical Services Unit confirmed 10 tips, and after reviewing the initial 117 files, authorities said they discovered 193 clips of various child sexual abuse material in videos and photos.

Authorities said they executed a search warrant at Esquivel's house on April 1, where multiple electronics were collected.

While being interviewed, authorities said Esquivel waived his Miranda rights and acknowledged possessing the material. Possibly 300 videos remained in his possession at the time, they added.

Ultimately, authorities said they connected Esquivel to more than 1,400 videos and photos, as well as at least "300 animated photos depicting child-like people."

Esquivel was arrested on 30 counts of sexual exploitation of children, and investigators are working to determine if the material was shared with others, authorities said.

"This case, like many that come to us every single day, takes an emotional toll on our detectives and our staff. We are fortunate to have some of the best in our office. Their dedication, commitment and professionalism do not go unnoticed. Thank you for going above and beyond, especially when it comes to protecting our children. Those of you out there who commit these types of crimes, make no mistake about it: we will find you," authorities said in a news release.