Houston-Metro ICAC Task Force

04/17/2021

“Operation 2021” identifies and apprehends adults using the internet and social media in attempt to exploit children

https://mailchi.mp/665ab0fe3b2b/icac-operation-1-2021-release

03/07/2021

02/08/2021

Tomorrow is Safer Internet Day!! Sexting is the ICAC Task Force Program’s theme for this year. Please tell your friends and family! Let’s make the Internet a safer place for our kids! #SaferInternetDay

02/02/2021

The Houston-Metro ICAC Task Force is getting ready #SaferInternetDay on Tuesday, February 9th. Please join us in making the Internet a safer place for children!

The Houston-Metro ICAC Task Force is getting ready #SaferInternetDay on Tuesday, February 9th. Please join us in making the Internet a safer place for children!

12/07/2020

Convicted murderer accused of trying to meet 14-year-old girl for sex

https://abc13.com/convicted-murderer-accused-of-trying-to-meet-girl-for-sex/8565097/

He was convicted of murder in Michigan and tried to meet up a 14-year-old girl. Little did he know he was actually chatting with an undercover deputy.

10/22/2020

Santa Fe man gets 85 years for multiple child pornography convictions

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdtx%2Fpr%2Fsanta-fe-man-gets-85-years-multiple-child-pornography-convictions&data=04%7C01%7CJohn.Colburn%40HoustonPolice.Org%7C892406bf9f8e438e522a08d8761141be%7C64c753ca2ec6498181e75c7597f9e7d8%7C0%7C0%7C637389163773869321%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=63WNyYJ4Mwd93T1V5JSXCXPNUj7LEfah2lEWs2Q6w8I%3D&reserved=0

A 40-year-old Houston-area man has been ordered to federal prison for the statutory maximum on all convictions for production, distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography as well as attempted destruction of evidence

09/29/2020

NCMEC Safety Pledge

https://safetypledge.org/

A collaboration between the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the White House to safeguard children online.

09/23/2020

https://www.facebook.com/100000928666438/posts/4567995299908047/?extid=9B5CR9tHJsE103AP&d=n

09/10/2020

Houston Police Department

https://www.facebook.com/Houstonpolice/videos/307501413867727/

September Citywide Positive Interaction Program (PIP) with guest speaker Lt Colburn of HPD Internet Crimes Against Children Unit

07/02/2020

22 men charged with online sex crimes targeting children

https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/moco/news/article/22-men-charged-by-Montgomery-County-this-year-15379757.php

Among the reported 22 men Montgomery County law enforcement has arrested this year for charges related to the sexual exploitation of children online, one has already received a prison sentence.

06/30/2020

June is National Internet Safety Month.. With children confined to their homes due to COVID-19, now is a time to get more involved in their online activity!!

06/30/2020

TikTokers are using the secret code 'I had pasta tonight' and it has nothing to do with dinner

https://news.yahoo.com/deeper-meaning-behind-tiktok-had-175558041.html

It's not a new dance move or viral duet, but rather a serious call for help.

06/22/2020

Internet Safety Month

https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources/internet-safety-month

Overview Featured More Learn About the Issues Overview Every June we celebrate Internet Safety Month. It's a great time to review our online behavior and identify ways we can use the internet in safer ways. This year, kids are online more than ever; for education, entertainment, and to socialize wit...

05/13/2020

A21

Join us on FACEBOOK LIVE at 3PM EST TOMORROW for a conversation around Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Online Safety. You'll hear from, Steve Grocki Chief of the USDOJ's Child Exploitation Section, Callahan Walsh, a child advocate for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, John Pizzuro, Commander of the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Mi Yung Park, Government Relations Director for A21. In a time where there's an expected increase in online exploitation, especially among minors, this information could save another life and equip you with the knowledge needed to recognize a dangerous situation before it happens.

Tune in: Facebook.com/A21Campaign

Our mission is to end slavery. With your support, the vulnerable can be protected, victims can be set free, survivors can be restored, and traffickers can be brought to justice. Together, we can abolish slavery everywhere, forever.

04/30/2020

Fort Bend Co. man accused of child sex assault may have other victims, officials fear

https://abc13.com/more-victims-possible-in-ft-bend-co-child-sex-assault-case/6140613/

Investigators are begging anyone whose children may have had contact with him to please come forward.

04/15/2020

Harris Co. Pct. 1 undercover operation nets 10 arrests of alleged child predators

https://www.khou.com/mobile/article/news/crime/harris-co-pct-1-undercover-operation-nets-10-arrests-of-alleged-child-predators/285-0dcd862d-cd40-44de-a510-d0b659bba10e

The suspects included a United States Postal Service letter carrier, a Bandido gang member and a man who took an Uber to meet what he thought was an underage girl.

04/03/2020

Today is National Wear Blue Day! to support Child Abuse Prevention Month.

03/03/2020

Former CCISD teacher sentenced for child pornography

https://www.galvnews.com/news/free/article_a20f27ef-980a-5e44-9465-fbe37528e1ff.html?block_id=531919

Evidence against the educator didn't include any of his students, officials said.

02/11/2020

Safer Internet Day USA

Happy #SaferInternetDay! 100+ countries are together for a better internet. Get involved
SID2020.org #SID2020
We’re creating, connecting and sharing respect on the internet at #SaferInternetDay! Participate
via live stream at SID2020.org #SID2020

New Homepage SAFER INTERNET DAY USA Official home of U.S. Safer Internet Day #SID2020 Get Involved ConnectSafely welcomes you to the U.S. home of Safer Internet Day Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Safer Internet Day aims to not only create a safer internet but also a better internet, where everyone is em...

02/10/2020

Safer Internet Day USA

Proud supporter of #SaferInternetDay, hosted in the US by @ConnectSafely. Join us via live
stream on Tuesday, February 11 at 10:00 am PST SID2020.org #SID2020
#SaferInternetDay is tomorrow! Check out the live stream at SID2020.org #SID2020
We're ready for #SID2020! Houston Metro ICAC is committed to ensuring a better internet for all!
Learn what you can do SID2020.org

New Homepage SAFER INTERNET DAY USA Official home of U.S. Safer Internet Day #SID2020 Get Involved ConnectSafely welcomes you to the U.S. home of Safer Internet Day Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Safer Internet Day aims to not only create a safer internet but also a better internet, where everyone is em...

01/30/2020

What parents need to know about the Likee app

https://www.fox26houston.com/video/649345

The Likee app is a lot like Tik Tok. You can use Likee to create short videos. Parents need to be aware of these different social media platforms in order to protect their children online. A sergeant with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office joins us with more information that parents nee...

01/27/2020

The Houston Metro ICAC joins @ConnectSafely in support of #SaferInternetDay. Learn how to get
involved at SID2020.org #SID2020
Everyone has a role to play in creating a better internet - it starts with you! Join
@ConnectSafely for #SaferInternetDay to play your part in creating a better internet for
everyone SID2020.org #SID2020
Get involved! Celebrate #SaferInternetDay with @ConnectSafely on Tuesday, February 11 at
10:00 am PST via live stream at SID2020.org #SID2020
No matter where you are, you can celebrate #SaferInternetDay via live stream SID2020.org
#SID2020
We're ready for #SID2020! Houston Metro ICAC is committed to ensuring a better internet for all!
Learn what you can do SID2020.org

01/14/2020

Former official to serve prison time for child porn convictions

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/former-official-serve-prison-time-child-porn-convictions

A 65-year-old resident of Seabrook has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of receipt and possession of child pornography

12/17/2019

“Sovereign citizen” now behind federal prison bars for child pornography crimes

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/sovereign-citizen-now-behind-federal-prison-bars-child-pornography-crimes

A 57-year-old resident of Galveston who claimed the judicial system had no jurisdiction over him is headed to federal prison

11/21/2019

Here's how pedophiles trick your kids through video games

https://www.khou.com/mobile/article/tech/heres-how-pedophiles-trick-your-kids-through-video-games/285-d3da6a98-3c1c-491c-9f09-152fcaeb327a

"I've seen kids as young as 6 sexually abuse their siblings at the demand of the predator," said an HPD officer.

11/21/2019

Santa Fe man convicted of producing child pornography

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/santa-fe-man-convicted-producing-child-pornography

A jury has convicted a 39-year-old Santa Fe resident guilty of production of child pornography

11/15/2019

Montgomery County investigator returns to Conroe PD after shielding kids from online predators

https://www.yourconroenews.com/neighborhood/moco/news/article/Montgomery-County-investigator-returns-to-Conroe-14837974.php?utm_campaign=CMS+Sharing+Tools+%28Desktop%29&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral

Video evidence is the kind of corrosive content Nichols, 48, labored through to advocate for children as an investigator on the Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which targets online predators. In that capacity, he helped net nearly 50 prison convictions.

10/22/2019

Katy ISD Police to Address Cyber Safety Concerns at Upcoming Parent Ev

https://www.katymagazineonline.com/single-post/2019/10/21/Katy-ISD-Police-to-Address-Cyber-Safety-Concerns-at-Upcoming-Parent-Event

This Thursday, October 24, is Cyber Safety Outreach Day. Locally, the Katy ISD Police Department will host an important program to educate the community on ess

10/16/2019

Child predator sting in Montgomery County leads to arrest of Ohio man

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/child-predator-sting-in-montgomery-county-leads-to-arrest-of-ohio-man

Two innocent children have been rescued, and one child predator is behind bars for life in Ohio. And it started with the work of a Montgomery County Precinct One detective.

10/04/2019

Former mayor pro tem admits to child pornography charges

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/former-mayor-pro-tem-admits-child-pornography-charges

A 68-year-old resident of Seabrook has entered a guilty plea to receipt and possession of child pornography

09/19/2019

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

What tipped police off to his alleged activities? A #CyberTipline report submitted by Tumblr.

Reports work! If you suspect child sexual exploitation, submit a report at www.cybertipline.com

09/12/2019

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Do you recognize this man?

The FBI is asking for help from the public in ID'ing and locating an unknown man who may have what they have termed "critical information" about the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation.

09/09/2019

Project Safe Childhood

Suburban Houston Man Gets 34 Years for Sexually Exploiting a Child



HOUSTON – A 41-year-old resident of New Caney has received a massive sentence following his conviction of producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Joshua James Holmstedt pleaded guilty April 16, 2019.



Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew A. Hanen handed Holmstedt a sentence of 360 months for the sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography. He also received 120 months for the possession of child pornography - 48 months of which was ordered to run consecutively for a total of 34 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to serve 30 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Holmstedt will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.



Holmstedt came to the attention of law enforcement July 17, 2017, when authorities in the District of Columbia posted an online message as part of an undercover investigation. They then received a message via an application known as Kik from Holmstedt. He communicated with the undercover officer and indicated he had access to two minor children which he proved by sending a picture of himself holding up a specific number of fingers in front of the minor female victim’s face. Over the course of a few days, Holmstedt sent several images of the minor female as well as other images and videos of child pornography. One of the worst videos Holmstedt provided showed him digitally penetrating the minor female. At the time, the victim was only three years of age.



Based on information gathered during the investigation, local authorities were able to locate and identify the victim and the other child mentioned. Holmstedt was located July 21, 2019, at which time he indicated he had destroyed the phone he used to create the images and to communicate with the undercover officer



The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department – FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and FBI Houston conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Montgomery County Constables’ Office – Precinct Four.



Holmstedt has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.



Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

06/20/2019

Project Safe Childhood

“Sovereign Citizen” Convicted of Child Pornography Crimes

GALVESTON, Texas – A 56-year-old resident of Galveston has been found guilty of receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. found John David Knowlton guilty following a two-day bench trial that concluded today.

During trial, the court heard testimony from multiple law enforcement officers and a Comcast custodian of records.

In February 2016, law enforcement conducted an online session using a publicly available peer-to-peer file-sharing network and located an IP address whose share folder contained images of child pornography. The IP address was associated with Knowlton’s residence.

When law enforcement searched his home, they discovered more than a dozen electronic devices belonging to him that contained child pornography. Forensic analysis found that 18 electronic devices contained thousands of images and hundreds of videos of child pornography, child erotica and artifacts of child pornography.

Knowlton had opted to represent himself at the trial with the court-appointed shadow defense counsel. He rehired that counsel this morning. Knowlton, identifying as a sovereign citizen, argued that the federal judicial system had no jurisdiction over him. The court was not persuaded by his arguments and found him guilty as charged.

Judge Hanks set sentencing for Aug. 28, 2019. At that time, Knowlton faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years for the receipt of child pornography and up to 10 years imprisonment for the possession charge.

Previously released on bond, Knowlton was taken into custody after the guilty verdict where he will remain pending sentencing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Pearland Police Department and Galveston Police Department’s - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zahra Jivani Fenelon and Kimberly Leo prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”