SANTA CRUZ — A Santa Cruz man was arrested Thursday after he allegedly took secret pictures of female high school students, Santa Cruz Police spokeswoman Joyce Blaschke said.
Christopher Swanson, 29, was charged with two counts of annoying or molesting a child, one a felony and the other a misdemeanor. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail, jail records showed.
According to Blaschke, a female student at Santa Cruz High School saw Swanson several times near the campus. The student said that Swanson took photos of her buttocks, and that of other female students. The girl took a photograph of Swanson and notified SCPD, Blaschke said.
Detectives investigated the allegations and contacted Swanson. He was arrested on Thursday.
When interviewed, Swanson admitted to secretly photographing and videoing females’ buttocks for the purpose of sexual gratification, Blaschke said. He also said he believed some of these females to be as young as 16.
Swanson also admitted to doing this at Santa Cruz Main Beach and downtown Santa Cruz.
Detectives found numerous photos and videos recovered from Swanson’s phone. Many of these images appeared to be secretly taken photos and videos of high school-age females’ buttocks.
Santa Cruz Police believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Williams at 420-5839 or email dw*******@ci*************.com.
