Full Notification

DATE/TIME: August 9, 2019

INCIDENT: PC 288.7 – Sexual Acts with a child under 10 years old
HS 11370.1 – Possess Controlled Substance while armed with a handgun

LOCATION: 10800 Block of Church Street; City of Rancho Cucamonga

SUSPECT: WHITNEY, Jason 43-years-old of Rancho Cucamonga, CA

SMITH, Melinda 35 of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
AKA: “Mercedes Carrera”

SUMMARY:
**** UPDATE ****

On August 8th, 2019, a preliminary hearing was held in the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court where detectives testified about the evidence in this case.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Uhler ruled there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial against both suspects for 16 counts of various sexual acts against a child under the age of 10.

Judge Uhler ruled at this time, there was not sufficient evidence on the HS 11370.1 charges.

Both subjects were ordered to remain in-custody in lieu of $2,000,000 bail.

Both suspects will be formally arraigned on the charges on August 19, 2019 in Department 2 of the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court house. At that time, a trial date will be set.
********************************************************************************

**** UPDATE ****
Through further investigation, detectives have learned that Jason Whitney uses the name “Jay Allan” on a social media platform. However, he is better known in the adult film industry as “Daemon Cins.”
****

On Thursday, January 31, 2019, deputies were notified of sexual acts against a minor female victim, which occurred in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. Detectives from Rancho Cucamonga assumed the investigation and conducted an extensive interview with a minor female victim. Detectives learned she was sexually abused several times by, Melinda Smith and Jason Whitney. The sexual abuse consisted of inappropriate touching, oral copulation, and digital penetration, which occurred over four months.

Through investigation, it was determined that Smith was an actress who frequently performed in pornographic videos. It was determined that Whitney worked as a producer and director of various types of pornographic movies, web shows, and award shows in the adult film industry.


On Friday, February 1, 2019, detectives served a search warrant at their residence and contacted Melinda Smith and Jason Whitney in the home. A search of the residence was conducted, and detectives located a large amount of evidence corroborating the victim’s statement. Additionally, detectives located methamphetamine and two loaded handguns in the home.

Detectives also learned the two suspects had their bedroom set up where they could film and record various pornographic videos or web shows.

Whitney and Smith were detained and transported to the Rancho Cucamonga Station for interviews. At the conclusion of the interviews, both suspects were arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center on various charges of Sexual Acts against a Child.

On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, the case was presented to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in Rancho Cucamonga for review. After their review of the case, the DA’s office formally charged each suspect with eight counts of PC 288.7 Sexual Acts with a child under 10 years old and, one count of HS 11370.1 Possess Controlled Substance while armed with a handgun. Both suspects were denied bail and remain in custody.

Both suspects are scheduled to be arraigned on the above charges on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at the San Bernardino County Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are releasing the booking photos of each suspect. If you have any information regarding this case, you are urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Detective Bureau at (909) 477-2800. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information at www.wetip.com.

Based on the on-going investigation, no further information will be released at this time.

Refer: Detective L. Walker
Deputy D. Patton

Station: Rancho Cucamonga Station

Phone No: (909) 477-2800

Case No: 111901492

JOHN MCMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department