NEWS

Two recent child exploitation cases in the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast in Florida are highlighting the critical role technology plays in identifying online predators and the importance of parental involvement in prevention.

This week in Boynton Beach, 37-year-old Kyle Jones was arrested after a CyberTip reported CSAM uploaded to Google. Investigators traced the email to Jones and after a search by Boynton Beach SWAT, he admitted to downloading and viewing the material.

Greg Schiller, CEO of Child Rescue Coalition, says his organization has helped police around the world catch thousands of predators.

“Our technology is showing millions of users a day online sharing CSAM, trying to solicit minors all over the world,” he said.

Schiller mentioned that recently technology helped identify former Fort Pierce City Commissioner James Taylor, who was arrested for allegedly sending nude images to a 12-year-old girl on Snapchat. Governor Ron DeSantis suspended him this week, and Taylor now faces 24 felony charges.

While technology plays a vital role, Schiller stresses that parents are the first line of defense.

“We cannot arrest our way out of it. We can get the worst offenders. But parents need to do a better job educating their children on all of the dangers that are happening online,” he said.

As predator tactics evolve, Schiller says it’s crucial for both law enforcement and parents to stay one step ahead by limiting app use, enabling parental controls, and having open conversations with kids about online safety.

Join the fight against online child exploitation. Child Rescue Coalition is working with law enforcement around the world to identify and stop predators before they can harm children. But we can’t do it alone.

Learn how you can support our mission: whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness. Get involved today!