Law enforcement agencies conduct undercover operation to crackdown on internet crimes against children

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)— Twelve men accused of crimes against children are behind bars following an undercover investigation by state and local law enforcement agencies.

Last July, the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force partnered with agencies from across the tri-county for Operation Cast Net to identify and arrest adults suspected of targeting children on the internet.

“If you can communicate with a minor, we’re on those apps trying to find people who are trying to target minors for sex,” said Kevin Atkins, the Chief Investigator for South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Commander.

Thanks to the work of agencies like the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department, and several other agencies surfing the internet to bring its predators to justice.

“We get cyber tips from NCMEC. They may tell us how we detected whoever this electronic service provider is with Facebook, Yahoo, or Google, that we’ve detected somebody this age talking to a person who identified themselves as a minor,” said Atkins.

The operation was successful, but investigators warn that this problem is prevalent. While working around the clock to put predators behind bars, they said protecting your children starts at home.

“So, if parents have a suspicion that their child is communicating with somebody who is an adult, I will tell them to act on that suspicion, contact us, and let us look at it,” said Jason Bowen, a Charleston County detective.

Officials encourage parents to talk to their children about cyber-predators and monitor their children’s online activity. Anything suspicious should be reported to your local law enforcement agency.

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