Authorities said a 30-year-old Oakdale man was arrested following an investigation into suspected child sexual abuse material.

Oakdale police said the department’s Investigations Unit recently received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children indicating that an individual within the city of Oakdale was suspected of accessing and viewing child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM.

Detectives opened an investigation and identified the suspect as a 30-year-old Oakdale man. Police said detectives later obtained and then served a search warrant at an Oakdale residence.

During the search, detectives located evidence related to the investigation and arrested the suspect on charges connected to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to police.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional investigative steps are being conducted.

Oakdale police said the case is a reminder that child exploitation often occurs online. The department encouraged parents and guardians to stay involved in their children’s online activity, discuss internet safety and educate children about the risks of social media, messaging platforms and communicating with strangers online.

Police also urged community members to report suspicious activity, saying timely reporting can play a critical role in protecting children and holding offenders accountable.