Kentucky State Police this week announced three separate child sexual exploitation cases over a one-day period. A representative of the Electronic Crime Branch says the holiday period can be a time of increased criminal activity.
KSP Lieutenant Mike Bowling said young people may get new devices, phones, laptops, and tablets this month.
The trooper said contacts are made for soliciting images, hate speech, threats, and sextortion.
“They try to obtain pictures from them and then extort money out of them or they’re going to threaten to post those photographs on family members, friends, church, school websites, etc. And they often do it,” said Bowling.
Bowling noted an increase in child sexual exploitation online is seen almost every year. He added young people are getting new devices and they’re on their holiday break.
“They’re not at school, they’re home and a lot of times they’re not monitored. So, it’s new, it’s new information, it’s new advice and a lot of kids aren’t use to certain websites, certain chat websites, social media. This is their first time,” said Bowling.
He suggests setting parameters, common areas for new users with new devices, and establishing time frames for use. Bowling said the unit will be getting new staff members in 2024, but he adds there’s never enough investigators for crimes involving children.
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