(KRON) -- An Alameda County fire captain was one of 21 people arrested in a crackdown on child sex predators by the Modesto Police Department, KRON4.com has confirmed. According to Modesto PD, Kip Weber, 48, of Cameron Park, was arrested and charged with attempted lewd acts on a child under 14. Web er, according to police, also allegedly engaged in lewd communication with a minor, distributed harmful material to a minor, and possessed child pornography. Weber was among 12 people identified in an investigation launched in May 2024 by Modesto PD's Special Crimes Unit, which includes Special Victims Detectives and Hi-Tech Crimes personnel. Weber was promoted to captain by ACFD in 2020. The operation, which targeted people attempting to engage with minors for sexual purposes, utilized undercover chatting operations. Weber was among the 12 people identified who sent explicit images, videos and messages to people they thought were minors. Man suspected of masturbating bites San Jose police officer: SJPD Several of the suspects arranged in-person meetings with the intent to commit sexual acts, police said. In some instances, police said, the content they sent or the acts they committed warranted charges of attempting lewd acts with a child. The Alameda County Fire Department confirmed that it was aware one of its members had been taken into custody. Without naming him, ACFD said the employee had been placed on administrative leave. "Our department supports our law enforcement partners and fully cooperates with all agencies involved while the investigation continues," said Alameda County FD Chief William McDonald. "I want to ensure you that the members of ACFD will remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability." ...read more read less