The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force joined together with the Regional Domestic Security Task Force Bomb Squad to explode computer equipment today that was used to view illicit images of children.
“Today’s event shows the dedication local, state and federal agencies have when it comes to protecting innocent children from predators,” said FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Jack Massey. “If your child has an online presence, parents need to be extremely cautious and engaged to keep their children safe.”
“In today’s social media environment material can be viewed over and over again. It never seems to disappear,” said Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chip Simmons. “It is good to know that this particular equipment and material will never again be used to view child pornography.”
All pieces of evidence destroyed during “Operation Final Disposition” are from cases that have been prosecuted and are not subject to appeal. After a case is finished, evidence destruction is completed in a law-enforcement environment without any fanfare. But as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, FDLE and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office opted for public destruction in the hope of bringing attention to child abuse and how we can all work together to prevent it.
Evidence that was able to be wiped clean is being donated to the Gulf Coast Kid’s House. Gulf Coast Kid’s House is a child advocacy center serving victims of child abuse. Gulf Coast Kid’s House provides a place where child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals’ work together under one roof to provide comprehensive services to abuse victims.
To learn more about preventing child abuse visit, The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida at preventchildabusefl.org.
If you suspect someone of downloading or distributing child pornography, please call FDLE Pensacola at (800) 226-8574.
To learn more about keeping your family safe online, visit Secure Florida at secureflorida.org.
