As the new school year begins, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of the Corpus Christi Police Department is particularly active. Det. Alicia Escobar, a team member, mentions that they’re currently executing an average of one search warrant weekly at local homes. She emphasizes, “Most of the time, both the offenders and the young victims are in Corpus Christi.”
She highlighted a frequent issue among local youth where they engage with strangers online, leading to damaging interactions. “Sextortion cases have surged significantly,” she commented, pointing out that these incidents often escalate from seemingly harmless chats. The victims’ ages are diverse. “We’ve encountered victims as young as 5,” she noted. “Many times, through cyber tips, we learn of an offender communicating with a child in Corpus. When we investigate these homes, we often find other child victims.”
Escobar identified social media as the primary communication method among local youngsters. Apps like Snapchat and Telegram are on her department’s radar due to the fleeting nature of messages. Furthermore, she highlighted the AirDrop feature on iPhones as a concern. “We’ve observed older children sharing explicit photos of themselves,” she explained. She emphasized that teens often don’t understand that once such images are sent, recipients hold child pornography, a severe felony.
The onset of a new school year often marks a spike in such cases. “With students reuniting with peers or forming new romantic relationships, they frequently share explicit images during school hours using their devices,” she described.
She shared an instance where a minor uploaded explicit photos on Snapchat, showcasing the pressing nature of the issue.
The incident prompted her department to visit the young individual’s family home, where they had to clarify the gravity of his actions to him and his parents. “At that juncture, we informed him about his illegal activities and also briefed the parents about their child’s activities on social media,” she articulated.
In today’s world, where technology is within arm’s reach of children, what warning signs should parents be alert to? Escobar offers these pointers:
- Children distancing themselves from family events
- Adolescents immediately retreat to their rooms or bathrooms with their phones upon receiving a notification
- Kids becoming less communicative or appearing distant during regular family meetups
Parents should recognize these behaviors and engage their children in open conversations. It’s crucial to provide a nurturing environment where they feel safe, as they might not grasp the extent of the situation.
However, Escobar emphasizes one critical thing parents should avoid if they suspect dangerous activity: “Parents must refrain from using the device to confront the potential offender or threaten them with police action,” she said. “This can impede our chances of successfully capturing the culprit.” If you believe someone is attempting to engage in illicit interactions with your child, it’s essential to contact the police without delay.