Detective Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
In 2021, an offender came onto federal radar, he had been caught exploiting a child while on probation for molesting a relative. Digital and social media evidence also revealed the offender sought online sexual contact with juveniles, with an interest in incest. While the new exploitation offenses were pending, jail video calls and text messages revealed a much more serious pattern of criminal activity. From federal pretrial detention, this offender had coerced his underage girlfriend to engage in acts of exploitation. His end goal, however, would prove even more sinister, he was attempting to traffic his girlfriend for his own financial benefit. This case study will focus on the importance of mining social media evidence and always watching jail communications. The presenters will also explore the dangers posed by manipulative sex offenders, even when they aren’t pedophiles.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the importance of examining an offender’s entire social media content in the assessment of dangerousness, emphasizing the valuable insights gained from a comprehensive review
Recognize the necessity of consistently monitoring jail communications, exploring the reasons behind this practice and its role in maintaining security and preventing illicit activities
Explore various methods employed by abusers to manipulate and persuade victims into acting against their own interests, including coercive tactics and psychological control
