Vincent Pantess is back on the streets of Newbury Park after posting bond for child pornography charges and police are terrified there are more victims out there.
The investigation began with a CyberTip alleging that Pantess was attempting to lure children online for sexual encounters.
Following his initial arrest in November detectives spent months performing forensic analysis on his seized electronics and discovered a significant stash of child pornography.
Pantess was hauled back to jail on April 2 2026 but he has already been released after posting a 50,000 dollar bond.
The Ventura County Sheriff Department is now pleading with the community to come forward if they or their children had any contact with the suspect.
Detectives believe his online activity suggests he may have targeted multiple minors across various social media platforms.
The Sheriff Department has specifically asked anyone with information to contact Detective Thomas at 805 371 8309 to assist with the ongoing case.
California law currently allows for bail in most non capital cases which frequently results in suspects of high level crimes returning to the community before trial.
Public safety advocates have raised concerns about the risk of reoffending when individuals accused of predatory behavior are granted release.
Does it make you feel safe knowing someone charged with these crimes can just pay their way out of a cell twice?
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Published: Apr 17, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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