Former Cal Fire employee arraigned on child porn possession, distribution charges
A former Cal Fire employee was arraigned Wednesday on charges stemming from a child pornography investigation.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney charged Forney with possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of more than 600 images, including more than 10 images of children under 10.
Manteca police say, back in May, they got a tip from the National Missing and Exploited Children organization.
The tip led detectives to allege that Joseph Trevor Forney had possessed, uploaded, and distributed child pornography involving young victims.
Forney had been with Cal Fire since 2023 and had worked the Patterson, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz areas. After a warrant was issued, Manteca police say Forney was arrested at the Patterson Cal Fire station.
In a statement, Cal Fire officials said they were aware of the case and were following it closely to determine their next steps.
"CAL FIRE demands its employees uphold standards of professional conduct both on and off duty. We are aware of this criminal case and are monitoring it closely. CAL FIRE will determine next steps as these investigations progresses," Cal Fire wrote.
Police noted that, before working for Cal Fire, Forney had a criminal history in Idaho but it was unrelated to child sex crimes. He had only cleared parole in 2024.
Forney is being held in the San Joaquin County jail on a $1.3 million bail.
Prosecutors said Forney faces up to 13 years and four months in prison if he's found guilty. He's expected back in court on July 1.
