A six-week undercover investigation ends with nine local arrests for child pornography. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force showed off the names and faces of those who are behind bars. While most are accused of possessing child porn, one is accused of making it.
Michael Ward is charged with one count of producing child porn, in addition to 24 local child porn counts. Police say four of the nine suspects were arrested in Metro's jurisdiction and five in Henderson. This case reminds us about all of the dangers for kids lurking out there on the Internet.
None of the suspects are connected, but their online activity is the common link. News 3's Gerard Ramalho explains these arrests and what parents can do to protect their kids when they go online.
It's a frightening thought if you're a parent. News 3 did travel to the neighborhood where Michael Ward lived and spoke with some of his neighbors. They were shocked by his arrest and had no idea about his alleged involvement.
Police say child predators, on the surface, look and act just like everyone else. They can live in any house in any neighborhood. But police say what happened inside Ward's northwest home is something most would call detestable.
40-year-old Michael Ward was known to be a computer expert. What many don't know is that he was allegedly addicted to child porn and even produced his own video with a 14-year-old girl.
Stephanie Parker is the Executive Director of Nevada Child Seekers, a partner with Metro in trying to combat child porn. She says kids are often lured in via the Internet. But sometimes, their attackers are people they already know and trust. In Ward's case, police say his alleged victim was a friend of the family.
"I've been asked before what's a profile of a predator. All shapes and sizes, professions, socio-economic status...and predators look for opportunity. Children's perception of a stranger is not the same as an adult. It really isn't, and that's something parents need to be aware of."
Parents can do their part by monitoring all of their child's computer activity and also by monitoring their friends and whereabouts.
For one girl, the damage, according to police, has already been done. But families need to be pro-active and diligent so that the next victim doesn't turn out to be someone they love.
News 3 learned that more than 50 percent of child pornography comes from the United States. If you have kids and have a computer at home, experts suggest that you keep the computer in a family room, never let your children log on by themselves, establish the rules early, and hopefully, you can keep them protected.
If you are aware of an online solicitation of a minor, or know of any inappropriate contact with a minor, call the Cyber Tip Line at 1-800-843-5673.
