McKinleyville Man Who Worked with Youth Charged in Federal Child Exploitation Case

[Stock image from the FBI website]

According to an affidavit filed by FBI Special Agent Todd Rathbun in the Northern District of California, investigators executed a federal search warrant at LaPolla’s McKinleyville home on April 29, 2025. Agents seized multiple electronic devices, including a MacBook laptop, later found to contain more than 2,000 images and videos of minors subjected to sexual acts.

Court filings describe some of the material as involving very young children—including those believed to be preschool age—and showing evidence of coercion and violence. The affidavit states the files met the federal definition of “sexually explicit conduct” and were located in user accounts associated with LaPolla’s name and email address.

LaPolla was formally charged in September with one count of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor or a minor under 12. The charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, fines up to $250,000, and mandatory sex offender registration.

Court records show that LaPolla waived indictment and is being prosecuted by information before U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick. A protective order entered on September 23 limits access to evidence in order to safeguard the identities of child victims.

LaPolla was released from custody under strict federal supervision rather than on a set bail amount, according to court documents. His release conditions prohibit alcohol and non-prescribed drug use, require drug testing and possible treatment, and forbid unsupervised contact with minors other than his own children. He is restricted to using one non-Apple device monitored by Pretrial Services, must observe a nightly curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and is barred from entering the premises of schools, parks, or licensed daycare facilities.

LaPolla previously worked in Arcata’s behavioral services field, providing one-on-one support for clients in home and community settings through Multiplicity Therapeutic Services and Starfish Hero, two related agencies that serve both children and adults.

In response to questions about that past employment, Chuck Chojnacki, owner and CEO of Multiplicity and Starfish Hero, confirmed to Redheaded Blackbelt that LaPolla “is not employed by Multiplicity Therapeutic Services or Starfish Hero” and said an internal review found “no information to suggest that the allegations relate in any way to Mr. Lapolla’s former employment.” He added that both agencies “require state and federal background checks for all employees” and “receive notifications from law enforcement in the event of an employee arrest or conviction.”

At this time, federal filings do not allege or indicate that any of the material or conduct described in the criminal complaint involved local children or stemmed from LaPolla’s professional work. The investigation remains ongoing.

The FBI has not yet responded to Redheaded Blackbelt’s request for comment on whether any local victims have been identified, if LaPolla’s arrest is connected to a larger child exploitation investigation, or whether additional charges are anticipated.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny E. James Jr. in the Northern District of California.

Hat tip: John Chiv, who first reported LaPolla’s arrest.