El Dorado County man arrested on dozens of child sex crime charges

PLACERVILLE – An El Dorado County man was arrested last week after police said they suspected him of sexually abusing minors for at least two decades.

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

The investigation began in December 2022 when Bowen allegedly attempted to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity, the Placerville Police Department said. Bowen was arrested and incarcerated for this investigation.

Then, in May 2024, another victim came forward, claiming Bowen had victimized him when he was a minor, police said. A search warrant was conducted and police said they found other evidence, including electronic devices.

During an analysis of electronic devices, police said investigators found probable cause to believe there were more victims and that it was possible Bowen had sexually abused minors for at least two decades .

A felony arrest warrant was served on June 21 based on evidence collected during the electronics investigation. Bowen was incarcerated on 74 charges.

The case is still ongoing.

Police reminded parents that social media is a common medium used by sexual predators.