El Dorado County man arrested for dozens of sex crimes against children

PLACERVILLE – An El Dorado County man was arrested last week on suspicion of sexually abusing minors for at least two decades.

Joshua Brown, 47, was arrested on June 21 at his home in an unincorporated area of ​​El Dorado County on a warrant related to possession of child pornography and other sex crimes involving minors.

The investigation began in December 2022 when Bowen allegedly attempted to meet with a minor to engage in sexual acts, Placerville police said. Bowen was arrested and taken to jail for that investigation.

In May 2024, another victim came forward claiming Bowen abused him when he was a minor, police said. A search warrant was issued and police said they found more evidence, including electronic devices.

According to police, when analyzing the electronic devices, investigators had sufficient reason to believe that there were other victims and that Bowen may have been sexually abusing minors for at least two decades.

Based on evidence collected during the electronic investigation, a felony arrest warrant was issued on June 21. Bowen was jailed on 74 charges.

The investigations are still ongoing.

Police reminded parents that social media is often used by sex offenders.