Child sexual abuse and exploitation cases present unique challenges and are some of the most difficult cases to investigate and prosecute. As technology advances, so too does the interplay between contact offenses against children and electronic exploitation cases like electronic solicitation and child pornography. This presentation will focus on that intersection, and provide strategies for strengthening investigation and prosecution. Viewed through the lens of a case study of a sodomy and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigation and prosecution, topics will include the collection, enhancement, and use of digital evidence to help corroborate a victim’s disclosure and ways to effectively present this evidence in court. This presentation is being taught by a prosecutor and detective who routinely work these types of cases together and is geared toward both prosecutors and law enforcement.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn best practices for a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation and prosecution of a child sex case
Participants will gain further understanding of the increasing interplay between hands-on offenses and the use of technology
Participants will learn effective ways to gather and present evidence at trial