Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Reno man arrested for possession and production of child pornography

Washoe County Detectives and partners with the Northern Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force arrested 26 year old Tyler Ball-Imsdahl on July 8, 2021 for crimes related to production and possession of child pornography.

Detectives were alerted to Ball-Imsdahl’s activities at the end of May after Yahoo reported suspicious emails containing intimate images of juvenile males were located. Detectives served multiple search warrants and collected electronic and digital evidence.

Ball-Imsdahl is employed as a school counselor with the Washoe County School District. After learning of the allegations against him, the District immediately placed him on administrative leave.

Detectives suspect that Ball-Imsdahl utilized a technique called “catfishing” to lure some of his victims. “Catfishing” is a technique used by predators who create a false identity online to exploit individuals in order to manipulate them for gain. In this case, the false representation was meant to obtain sexually explicit photographs and videos.

Over 250 suspected images and videos of child pornography were located through emails and electronic devices. Detectives have identified eight victims, but they believe that there are more victims, possibly local, who have yet to be identified.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are expected.

Detectives are asking anyone with knowledge of this case to please contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at (775) 328-3320. Or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900. Refer to case number: WC21-2421.

The Internet Crimes Against Children – Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Sparks Police Department, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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