Latest news with #NationalChildAbusePreventionMonth
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hayward man arrested in nationwide crackdown on child sex offenders
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A Hayward man was arrested last month as part of a five-day nationwide crackdown on child sex abuse offenders. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's San Francisco field office announced the arrest on Wednesday as part of Operation Restore Justice. The sweep was initiated to 'protect our children' and to mark April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the agency said. The operation to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators was carried out in coordination with all 55 FBI field offices. San Mateo man claimed attempted kidnappings were pranks: DA During the sweep, the San Francisco FBI arrested Erik Antonio Contreras, a 34-year-old Hayward man, on April 30. Contreras, the FBI said, was arrested for possession of child sexual abuse materials. Photo: FBI Photo: FBI Additionally, in late 2023, he allegedly expressed a desire to engage in sexual conduct with a 12-year-old girl, the FBI said. Following the execution of a search warrant on October 2023, the FBI said over 1,000 media files 'consistent with child sexual abuse materials' were found on his electronic devices. 'This coordinated effort across all FBI field offices was not just about making arrests, it was about standing up for those who cannot defend themselves,' said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. 'While this initiative was a success, it represents just one step in our ongoing fight to protect children from those who seek to harm them.' Last week, the FBI arrested 205 people and rescued 115 children across the country during Operation Restore Justice. According to the FBI, those arrested included teachers, members of law enforcement, and the military. 'Others are your neighbors,' the FBI said, 'proving criminal activity can be found even in the most familiar places.' Subjects who were arrested were accused of various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse materials, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking, the FBI said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Norfolk FBI arrests 3 people in child sex abuse nationwide crackdown
WASHINGTON (WAVY) – A five-day nationwide FBI initiative coordinated with all 55 FBI field offices to track down child sex predators. The FBI Norfolk Field Office arrested three people as part of 'Operation Restore Justice.' Among them is a suspect from Williamsburg, who was arrested after he allegedly threatened to sexually abuse a police officer's young family member. The FBI says the suspect also sent obscene images of the sexual abuse of children. Another Norfolk case involves an illegal immigrant from Mexico accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. 'Child sexual exploitation cases are among the most disturbing the FBI works,' said FBI Norfolk Acting Special Agent in Charge, Patrick O'Brien. 'It's why the work that we do in this field is so impactful. Operation Restore Justice showcases the commitment we have to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in sexual exploitation of children, as well as the threat of exploitation.' The Department of Justice announced the results of the coordinated effort on May 7. Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 people and rescued 115 children across the country as part of Operation Restore Justice. 'The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,' said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. 'I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.' Some of the suspects arrested in this operation included people in positions of public trust, such as law enforcement, members of the military and teachers. In Minneapolis, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for producing sexual abuse material of a young child while wearing his uniforms. In Washington, D.C., a former MPD Police Officer previously convicted for sex trafficking was again arrested for doing the same thing. In Louisville, Kentucky, two teachers were charged in separate incidents involving alleged inappropriate communication and behavior with students. The crimes investigated by the FBI include the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. Hundreds of special agents, intel analysts and other FBI personnel were involved in bringing the offenders to justice. 'While the Bureau works relentlessly to investigate these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention, community education and the FBI's never-ending pursuit of criminals who exploit our children,' the FBI said in a news release. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The FBI partners with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on In further partnership and collaboration with NCMEC, the FBI launched the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) in 2004 to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. To date, ECAP has identified 36 individuals. The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspect crime against a child to 911 and local law enforcement immediately, as well as the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at or by contacting your local FBI field office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Upstate man arrested as part of nationwide FBI operation
ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) – A man from the Upstate was arrested as part of a nationwide effort to arrest child sex abuse offenders, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI have announced their 'Operation Restore Justice,' a five day initiative to identify and arrest child sex predators across the country. The operation arrives to mark the end of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of the operation, the FBI arrested 31-year-old David Lynn Wells of Anderson. Wells was charged with the production and distribution of child sex abuse material. At the time of this discovery, Wells was already serving a state prison sentence for sexual misconduct with a minor. Authorities said that his current sentence is unrelated to recent charges. Authorities said that his current sentence is unrelated to recent charges. 'The FBI will pursue anyone who commits violent sex crimes against children,' said Reid Davis, acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. 'These offenders pose a grave threat to our communities, and protecting our children is one of our highest priorities. We will use every tool available to identify, apprehend, and bring them to justice with the full weight of the law.' The operation led to the arrest of more than 205 subjects, and rescued over 115 children across the country, in under one week. In the entire month of April, more than 190 perpetrators were arrested on charges related to crimes against children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Marshall PD collects 240.1 pounds of unused medication during Drug Takeback
MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) — Marshall Police Department announced Wednesday they collected 240.1 pounds of unneeded or expired medication during Drug Takeback initiative. East Texas schools announce early release ahead of potential severe storms The Drug Takeback initiative is a nationwide movement that encourages communities to safely throw out their unneeded or expired prescription medication, preventing drug misuse. Getting these drugs off the street also protects our environment from harmful chemicals. 'This amount reflects our community's strong commitment to public safety and health,' Chief Cliff Carruth said. 'By removing these medications from homes, we are helping prevent misuseand keeping potentially harmful substances out of the hands of our children and out of ourwater supply.' Marshall PD has a green collection drop box in the lobby at 2101 N. East End Blvd available every day where people can dispose of unused medication. The 240 pound collection took place over the past six months and the medication was given to the DEA for disposal on April 28. National Child Abuse Prevention Month: East Texas psychologist shares signs of child abuse to keep adults educated The National Prescription Drug Take Back event is held twice a year and Marshall PD encourages community participation to keep Marshall safe and drug free. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
National Child Abuse Prevention Month: East Texas psychologist shares signs of child abuse to keep adults educated
TYLER, Texas (KETK)– An East Texas licensed psychologist shared her expertise on what might indicate a child is experiencing abuse or trauma and how important it is for the community to stay educated to prevent and address the abuse. In honor of April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month, KETK news talked to UT Tyler Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Stephanie Simmons about the signs and symptoms of a child experiencing abuse. Henderson County declares April as Child Abuse Prevention month Simmons said the type of child abuse determines what signs parents, educators and healthcare professionals should look for. The different types of child abuse includes physical, neglect, sexual and emotional: Frequent injuries Unexplained bruises Complaining of pain Afraid to go home or see their parents Lack of reaction to pain Malnourishment Poor hygiene Bad fitted clothes Dirty clothing Excessive crying Sudden anxiety and depression Knowledge of sexual behaviors beyond what is expected for the age of the child Possible physical injuries Depression Anxiety Crying Aggressive behaviors 'The biggest thing we want to pay attention to is anytime we see an extreme change in behavior with a child, that might bring up some red flags and something we want to play close attention too,' Simmons said. Simmons explained how important it is for adults to remain calm especially if the child confides in them about the abuse and to not 'sugar-coat' the situation. 'Be very upfront with kids, let them know that you believe them, that they're being brave for telling you and always remind them it's not their fault,' Simmons said. 'Ask clear questions, it doesn't do much good to sugar-coat these things.' Once an adult is aware of the suspected abuse they want to make sure it is getting reported to the appropriate authorities such as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and law enforcement as necessary, Simmons said. 'Typically as individuals we don't have the authority to actually intervene or investigate child abuse, so we always want to be reaching out to those agencies and organizations to make sure the proper procedures are followed,' Simmons said. Preventing Child Abuse: Five Must-Ask Questions Before Enrolling Your Child in any Activity Simmons said the more trusted adults watching out for the child the better to protect and help them from an abusive situation. 'The phrase 'it takes a village' I think this is very much the same idea and that the more that are keeping eyes on the child and are aware of what's going on the better,' Simmons said. 'Kids interact with a lot of different people their parents, teachers, coaches, doctors so the more people that are aware of those signs the more the likely things are to get noticed, reported and addressed.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
