Shasta County Child Predator Sting Nets Three Arrests – A Stark Reminder for Parents
- Kari Chilson
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In a proactive undercover operation conducted throughout March 2026, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) successfully identified and apprehended three local men accused of attempting to sexually exploit children online. The arrests serve as a sobering wake-up call: dangerous predators continue to actively hunt for victims in digital spaces where children spend much of their time.
According to the March 20, 2026, media release from Detective Sergeant J. Duncan, MCU detectives posed undercover as minors and engaged with individuals who quickly revealed sexual intent.
The operation resulted in felony arrest warrants for:
Robert Matthew Murrell, 45, Shingletown – charged with communicating with a minor with sexual intent (PC § 288.3(a)).
Chase Edward Barnett, 34, Redding – charged with communicating with a minor with sexual intent (PC § 288.3(a)) and arranging a meeting with a minor (PC § 288.4(a)(1)).
Christian James Constantino, 37, Oak Run – charged with sending harmful material to a minor (PC § 288.2(a)), communicating with a minor with sexual intent (PC § 288.3(a)), arranging a meeting for lewd purposes (PC § 288.4(a)(1)), and actually arriving at the designated location to meet the supposed minor for sexual purposes (PC § 288.4(b)(1)).
On March 19, 2026, detectives executed search and arrest warrants. All three suspects were booked into Shasta County Jail with bail set at $50,000 each (case numbers SCSO26-001088, SCSO26-001249, SCSO26-001254).
This sting highlights a harsh reality that has not changed despite years of awareness campaigns: child predators frequently use social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps, and other online spaces to groom potential victims. They often present themselves as friendly peers, sympathetic older friends, or romantic interests—building trust over days, weeks, or even months before escalating to sexual requests, sharing explicit material, or attempting to arrange in-person meetings.
Parents: This is your urgent reminder to stay vigilant.
No matter how careful or tech-savvy your child seems, predators deliberately target minors who may be curious, lonely, seeking attention, or simply unaware of the risks. Here are some suggested key steps parents can take:
Have frequent, open, non-judgmental conversations with your children about online safety—explain that not everyone online is who they claim to be.
Know which apps, games, and platforms your child uses, and periodically review their friend/follower lists and private messages (respecting privacy while prioritizing safety).
Use parental controls, privacy settings, and monitoring tools—but never rely on technology alone. Predators often find ways around restrictions.
Teach kids never to share personal information (full name, school, address, photos showing locations, etc.), never to meet anyone in person they only know online, and to immediately tell a trusted adult if someone makes them uncomfortable.
Watch for warning signs: secretive device use, sudden mood changes after being online, new “friends” you’ve never heard of, or reluctance to show you their screen.
The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning and connection, but it also provides anonymity that predators exploit every single day. Operations like the one conducted by the Shasta County MCU show that law enforcement is actively working to stop these crimes before they escalate—but prevention starts at home.
If you suspect online exploitation or have concerns about a child’s online interactions, contact local law enforcement immediately. In Shasta County, you can reach Detective Sergeant J. Duncan at (530) 245-6135. For national resources, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline is available 24/7 at cybertipline.org or 1-800-THE-LOST.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But the message is clear: Parents must treat every online stranger as a potential threat until proven otherwise. Your child’s safety depends on it.
