19-Year-Old Arrested for Alleged Child Sexual Abuse Material Distribution

Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales faces multiple charges related to exploiting minors

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 19-year-old Anderson, South Carolina resident named Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales has been arrested and charged with five counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The charges stem from a CyberTipline report received by investigators from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Gonzales.

Why it matters

The distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material is a serious crime that exploits and traumatizes vulnerable minors. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and child protection organizations to identify and prosecute individuals engaged in these illegal activities.

The details

Gonzales was arrested on February 20th by the Anderson City Police Department. The charges against him are felonies punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count. The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General's office.

  • On February 20, 2026, Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales was arrested by the Anderson City Police Department.
  • On February 24, 2026, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Gonzales' arrest.

The players

Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales

A 19-year-old resident of Anderson, South Carolina who has been charged with five counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Alan Wilson

The Attorney General of South Carolina, whose office will be prosecuting the case against Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

A non-profit organization that operates the CyberTipline, which received a report that led investigators to Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales.

Anderson City Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales on February 20, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to exploit and abuse children in our communities.”

— Alan Wilson, Attorney General of South Carolina (South Carolina Attorney General's Office)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Trystyn Elijah Miguel Gonzales' bail status at a hearing scheduled for March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and child protection organizations to identify and prosecute those engaged in the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, which is a serious crime that causes immense harm to vulnerable minors.