Ex-Camp Pendleton Marine suspected of sharing child porn was discharged for same accusation

The former Camp Pendleton Marine suspected of sharing child pornography online was discharged for the same accusations, Marine Corps officials said Monday, Dec. 30.

Eric Stieglemeyer, 24, was one of six suspects tracked down by Riverside in recent months, using online tips that the men were using social media to share images and videos depicting sexual exploitation of children, officials said earlier. Police officials continue to search for Stieglemeyer.

The five other men were arrested on suspicion of sharing child pornography, according to Riverside police. Investigators do not know the whereabouts of Stieglemeyer.

At the time of the investigation, Stieglemeyer was an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton. Riverside detectives worked with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Escondido police to identify Stiegelmeyer, and arrange an interview.

But Stieglemeyer was discharged by the Marine Corps without notice to investigators, Riverside police said, before a federal arrest warrant was obtained.

Stieglemeyer was separated with an Other Than Honorable discharge on Oct. 18, according to Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Brian Tuthill. His discharge was “for a commission of a serious offense — viewing and distribution of child pornography,” he said.

Prior to separation, Tuthill said the Marine Corps and NCIS coordinated with the Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Office.