WWU student arrested for possession of and dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A 20-year-old Western Washington University student was arrested by law enforcement in Bellingham following a CyberTip investigation into the upload of sexually explicit media involving minors.

According to a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) affidavit of probable cause, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip report on March 28, 2026. The report stated that two video files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were uploaded to a TikTok account on March 19, 2026. Forensic analysis and records from the internet service provider linked the uploads to wireless internet access points and a student profile at Nash Hall, a dormitory located at Western Washington University.

A search warrant executed at Nash Hall on May 28, 2026, located Jayden Gage Alonso, age 20, inside the residence along with a mobile device. Initial digital forensic analysis of the device and associated cloud storage accounts revealed the uploaded video files as well as additional depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Alonso was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail by WCSO on May 28, 2026, and faces 2 counts of 1st-degree dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and 2 counts of 1st-degree possession of depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in Whatcom County Superior Court.

According to Whatcom County Superior Court records, an initial arraignment and preliminary appearance was held on May 29, 2026. The state requested bail be set at $100,000, and the defense requested bail be set at $15,000. Bail was set by the court at $60,000 with a $6,000 cash alternative.

Alonso was released from custody on June 2, 2026, after the cash alternative bail was posted.