The Department of Justice today recognized the Maryland
Internet Crimes Against Children task force for its investigation and
subsequent arrest of a suspected sexual predator who abused local children
since the 1970s and created child pornography from those encounters.
Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio presented
the Attorney General’s Special Commendation to representatives of the task
force during the Department’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony. The
special commendation recognizes Internet Crimes Against Children task forces or
affiliate agencies for making significant investigative or program
contributions.
“The vigilance exhibited by this task force exemplifies the
positive results that cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities can
have in bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” said Acting
Assistant Attorney General Jesse Panuccio. “The Department applauds their
efforts and stands with them as we continue working to improve public safety
for America’s children.”
The task force’s investigation also led to the
identification of 26 of the suspect’s victims, some of whom were sexually
abused as far back as the 1970s. The suspect was charged with multiple counts
of sex offenses involving the abuse of a child. The investigation and
subsequent warrant on the suspect’s residence was coordinated between the
Maryland State Police, the Talbot County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office and
Homeland Security Investigations.
The Department also recognized two law enforcement officers
for their investigations of sexual predators who sexually assaulted local
children and youth and a private citizen who intervened to rescue an abducted
baby. Panuccio also recognized Eden Hoffmann, a fifth grader at Huron
Elementary School in Clinton Township, Michigan, as the 19th winner of the
National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment