Video Story
Watch VideoThe fight against online predators
Story By: Nicole Vandeputte
Source: KOAA
There were two arrests recently in Colorado Springs related to internet child porn. Two weeks ago, a Colorado Springs teacher was arrested, accused of an indecent relationship with a 14 year old girl. Tonight, there are charges against another man. This time police say they found printed pictures of child porn at Matthew Tozer's home.
According to detectives in Colorado Springs, internet sex crimes are growing, about as fast as the technology. To fight that, there are more detectives than ever before working to track down these predators.
About two weeks ago, Randal Gomas was arrested. He's accused of building a sexual online relationship with a 14 year old girl. He was also a teacher at James Irwin Middle School.
Then, on Wednesday, Matthew Tozer was arrested. At his home, investigators say they found printed pictures of child pornography. Both men were tracked for weeks through the internet crimes against children unit. Sgt. Bill Dehart heads that unit. It's part of the Colorado Springs police department. He says, "I keep forensics examiners busy with computers that are being seized in investigations. I've got two detectives working ICAC that are very active, so there is no down time."
Sgt. Dehart says the unit is growing with the popularity of the internet. Last year, there was only one detective assigned to ICAC. Now, there are four. He says, "Facebook, myspace, there are several other social networking sites that these kids connect with, with predators lurking there too."
There may be more detectives than ever before dedicated to tracking down online predators, but they need parents to do their own detective work. Sgt. Dehart says, "As soon as you walk in, the child is minimizing the screen, or a child becoming withdrawn, spending more time online. Not necessarily that you need to be worried, but you need to be aware of it."
He says they also need to understand that anyone with a computer can be a target. He says, "If you would not let some stranger come up,and grab your child by the hand, and walk off, then don't allow it online." Just two days ago, Monument police started an ICAC unit.
There will be two training sessions for parents, and children, interested in learning more about staying safe on the internet. Detectives from the Colorado Springs ICAC unit will be there.
For parents, it will be held at the Stetson Hills Substation, on Tutt Boulevard, on March 12th, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
For kids: 12-18 Years of age only, Stetson Hills Substation, on Tutt Boulevard, April 8, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
