Gov. Beshear says over 300 online predators have been arrested since 2019

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that since 2019, Kentucky State Police have arrested 309 online child predators.

“Our message is clear – there is no place for child predators or any crime against children in Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “As a dad, I want every child to be safe from harm, and as Governor, I will continue working to make sure this is the reality, and we are making this happen thanks to the vigilant efforts of the Kentucky State Police and our local law enforcement agencies.”

KSP is strongly encouraging Kentuckians to learn more about financial sextortion, a scheme where the alleged perpetrator uses threats and intimidation to extort money from potential victims, many of whom are children.

Officials say this kind of crime is becoming more prevalent nationwide.

 “Our team is committed to tracking down the people who hide behind the keyboard to target our young people,” said Lt. Mike Bowling, Electronic Crime Branch commander. “We are working diligently to create a safer online environment for children by equipping parents with the knowledge and tools to monitor their children’s activity online.”

Officials state to further assist in locating hidden electronic storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives and cell phones that may contain criminal activity, KSP has introduced the first-ever electronic storage device detection in Kentucky, one of 51 of its kind nationwide.

In addition, the Electronic Crime Branch partnered with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky to provide education to help parents protect their kids online.

“At the heart of the work of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky is to prevent our children from falling prey to this horrific crime in the first place. These online resources and trainings have reached all 120 counties, and received national attention,” said Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky Executive Director Jill Seyfred. “If just one family is equipped to be alert to the dangers of online predators, and if just one child is tucked into bed tonight having avoided these horrifying consequences, then we know we are moving in the right direction with our education and awareness activities.”