Navy Chief Arrested on Child Sex Crime Allegations, Shaking Serra Mesa Military Community

SERRA MESA, A sense of unease is lingering across a military housing community after a U.S. Navy chief was arrested on multiple child sex crime charges, according to authorities and residents.

ABC 10News obtained newly filed court documents outlining the allegations, which neighbors say have left them shocked and unsettled, particularly in a community where many residents associate military housing with safety and security.

The arrest occurred early Thursday morning near Larkdale Avenue and Murray Ridge. Residents reported waking up to a heavy law enforcement presence, including undercover detectives and police officers surrounding a home in the neighborhood.

“You have that sense of security, and it’s scary,” said neighbor Destiny Smith.

Court records indicate that Chief Petty Officer Matthew DiAngelo is facing several charges, including child sex abuse and sexual intercourse with a minor. Authorities confirmed that he is currently being held without bail.

U.S. Navy officials acknowledged DiAngelo’s arrest and identified him as an aviation electronics technician assigned to a command at Naval Air Station North Island.

For residents living nearby, the allegations have struck close to home. Smith, who recently moved into the neighborhood with her husband and one-year-old child, said the situation has been deeply disturbing.

“When you move to a military community, you’re supposed to have this sense of security,” Smith said. “It’s not something you prepare yourself for or even expect.”

Smith also shared video showing law enforcement officers removing what appeared to be electronic devices from DiAngelo’s home as part of the investigation.

According to court documents, a restraining order request was filed earlier this week, alleging abusive behavior by DiAngelo. Neighbors say the arrest has changed how they feel about daily life in the community.

“There’s multiple families. We’re all military-based,” Smith said. “Everybody’s outraged. Everybody’s upset to find out that something like this is so close to us.”

Some residents told reporters they are now reconsidering routines they once felt comfortable maintaining.

“My daughter and I used to walk to CVS or the commissary by ourselves,” Smith said. “Now I don’t even want to leave unless my husband is with us. I lost all that security.”

Court records show that DiAngelo is scheduled to be arraigned on January 12 on the child sex crime charges.