Ex-Police Officer Sentenced for Child Pornography
A federal judge sentenced former San Jose and Pinole officer Denis Shevchenko to five years in prison.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Denis Shevchenko, a 45-year-old former civilian employee and police officer, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. The sentencing followed a 2025 bench trial where Judge Edward Davila found him guilty.
Why it matters
The case concludes a legal process that began after investigators seized electronic devices from Shevchenko's Gilroy home. His conviction marks the end of a tenure that included roles at both the San Jose and Pinole police departments.
A federal judge imposed a five-year prison sentence following a bench trial in 2025. The defendant is scheduled to surrender to authorities to begin his term on October 29.
The players
Denis Shevchenko
He is a 45-year-old former police officer who previously worked for the San Jose and Pinole Police Departments.
Edward Davila
He is the U.S. District Judge who presided over the case and handed down the five-year sentence.
The details
Detectives initiated an investigation in 2021 after searching Shevchenko's home and seizing devices containing thousands of images and videos of child pornography. A grand jury subsequently indicted the former officer in 2022.
Timeline
October 2021: Law enforcement launched an investigation.
2022: A grand jury returned an indictment against Shevchenko.
2025: A judge found the defendant guilty during a bench trial.
October 29, 2026: Shevchenko is scheduled to report to prison.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard procedural path for federal child pornography prosecutions resulting from electronic evidence seizures. The outcome reflects established sentencing guidelines applied after a formal bench trial.
This sentencing addresses a criminal case involving a former law enforcement official who served in San Jose. There are no additional active public safety advisories associated with this sentencing.
The takeaway
This case highlights the reach of federal investigators when processing electronic evidence seized during home searches. It also emphasizes the legal consequences for individuals who formerly held positions of public trust.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit Sex Crimes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRON4.
