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Former SDSU Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

Sentencing is set for June 24 with a statutory maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

Overview

  • Paul Aurelio McClain, 46, entered a guilty plea on March 18 in federal court in Los Angeles to a single count of possession of child pornography.
  • Homeland Security Investigations identified his activity in 2024 through an undercover operation on a peer‑to‑peer network, according to court records.
  • Agents searched his Menifee home in March 2025 and recovered devices containing more than 600 illicit images and videos, plea documents state.
  • An affidavit describes videos depicting children estimated to be about 6 to 8 years old among the material found.
  • San Diego State University Police said his duties did not involve child‑exploitation cases and that termination proceedings began after his 2025 arrest, while prosecutors note potential penalties include lifetime supervised release, fines and restitution.