On July 28, at approximately 9:15 PM, Peoria Police Detectives, with the assistance of the Peoria SWAT team, arrested 38-year-old Stiven Awshana of Peoria, AZ. Awshana faces twenty-seven counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, including possession, recording, and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Additionally, he is charged with four counts of Molestation of a Child, three counts of Furnishing Harmful Items to Minors, and two counts of Endangerment. This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be added or amended.
The investigation began on July 26, 2024, when the Peoria Human Exploitation and Trafficking (H.E.A.T.) Unit Detectives were contacted by the Phoenix Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce. Information provided by the ICAC taskforce indicated that Awshana was in possession of several images and videos believed to contain child sexual abuse material.
Following this lead, Peoria Police Detectives promptly took action. Awshana was apprehended without incident and processed at the Peoria Police Department. Subsequently, he was booked on several felony charges into the Maricopa County Jail.
As part of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at Awshana’s residence. During the search, detectives located several electronic devices believed to contain further evidence related to the charges.
The arrest of Stiven Awshana underscores the ongoing commitment of the Peoria Police Department and the Phoenix ICAC task force to combat child exploitation and bring offenders to justice. The collaboration between these agencies is vital in addressing and preventing crimes against children.
This case remains under investigation, and the authorities are working diligently to uncover all aspects of Awshana’s activities. The Peoria Police Department urges anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
For more updates on this case and other public safety information, follow the Peoria Police Department’s official social media channels and website.
