Morro Bay Restaurateur Faces Trial for Child Porn, Weapons Charges

Giovanni DeGarimore charged with felonies including possession of child pornography and assault weapons

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:02am

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An extreme close-up of a computer mouse and keyboard, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the discovery of disturbing digital evidence.The discovery of child pornography on a local restaurateur's digital devices has led to criminal charges and a trial.San Luis Obispo Today

A San Luis Obispo County judge has ruled that the child pornography and weapons case against Giovanni DeGarimore, the owner of Giovanni's Fish Market in Morro Bay, will go to trial. DeGarimore is facing five felony charges, including possession of child pornography and assault weapons, after his former girlfriend reported finding child pornography on his computer and phone.

Why it matters

The case highlights the serious legal consequences for individuals accused of possessing child pornography and illegal weapons, as well as the importance of reporting suspected crimes to the authorities. It also raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and public trust by a local business owner.

The details

According to court records, DeGarimore's former girlfriend, Amy Colbert, first discovered what appeared to be child pornography on his phone while they were on a dive trip in the Channel Islands in October 2022. Colbert later found two photos of apparent child pornography on DeGarimore's computer in July 2023 and reported the findings to the Atascadero Police Department. A search of DeGarimore's devices and residences uncovered more child pornography and several firearms, leading to his arrest in November 2023.

  • In October 2022, Colbert first discovered what appeared to be child pornography on DeGarimore's phone.
  • In July 2023, Colbert found two photos of apparent child pornography on DeGarimore's computer.
  • On November 14, 2023, officers served search warrants on DeGarimore's properties and arrested him.
  • DeGarimore's arraignment is scheduled for April 21, 2026.

The players

Giovanni DeGarimore

The owner of Giovanni's Fish Market in Morro Bay, who is facing five felony charges, including possession of child pornography and assault weapons.

Amy Colbert

DeGarimore's former girlfriend, who reported finding child pornography on his computer and phone to the Atascadero Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“After discovering child pornography on his computer, DeGarimore's former girlfriend Amy Colbert took photos of his computer screen and drove the evidence to the Atascadero Police Department.”

— Amy Colbert, DeGarimore's former girlfriend

What’s next

DeGarimore's arraignment is scheduled for April 21, 2026, where the judge will decide whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious legal consequences for individuals accused of possessing child pornography and illegal weapons, as well as the importance of reporting suspected crimes to the authorities. It also raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and public trust by a local business owner.