The FBI is warning local parents that child pornography and child exploitation cases are on the rise in this area, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs says his agents have made more cases of child porn than ever this year, and the problem shows no signs of slowing.
“We are doing everythign that we can to hunt these monsters down, who prey on our children on the Internet,” Combs said.
Combs commented after a local man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for manufacturing child porn, using young children, boys and girls, who he lured in social media.
Combs says with school starting and children spending more time on line, this is a prime time for child predators to be at work.
“No matter how young or old your child is, you have to monitor their social profile,” he said. “This problem continues to get worse.”
He says there is no doubt that social media has been a major enabler of adults who want to exploit children, replacing the stereotypical man i in the trenchcoat lurking around a school.
“Unfortunately the problem is growing, and I want to speak to every parent who is out there,” he said. “And it isn’t just strangers, it isn’t just the boogieman, it is also adults that we know.”