16 people in Kentucky arrested for online crimes, exploitation of children
As part of a national operation aimed at online safety for children, 16 people in Kentucky were arrested for online exploitation of children, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday.
The arrests were part of Operation Safe Online Summer, which was conducted in April and included more than 70 investigations in Kentucky. As a result, 16 child predators were arrested, and 16 cases were submitted for state prosecution, while two cases were submitted for federal prosecution, according to Kentucky State Police.
“We are committed to building a safer Kentucky, especially for our most vulnerable children,” Beshear said. “I am proud of our Electronic Crime Branch team for working hard to take predators off the internet and off the streets so our children can be safe online and in their community.”
Lt. Mike Bowling, commander of KSP’s Electronic Crime Branch, said the operation was about “education, prevention and protecting the most vulnerable among us.” As part of the operation, 934 GB of data was examined as evidence and 11 child victims were identified.
“Our team works tirelessly to respond to cyber tips, pursue offenders and educate the public,” Bowling said. “Every child we protect and every victim we identify is a step closer to a safer online environment for Kentucky’s youth.”
Instances of cybercrimes involving children can be reported to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, or by calling 1-800-THE LOST. KSP also has an Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which investigates online crimes involving children.