TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office announced that they will have a detective join the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or ICAC.
This detective will be helping the Indiana State Police, the Terre Haute Police Department, along with other organizations, investigate and prosecute people who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children.
Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell knew he had the right detective for such a crucial job.
“She’s very experienced as a detective, does great work, and is organized,” Sheriff Fell said. “A very solid detective who we’re very pleased with her being assigned to this unit. I look forward to the efforts that we know she’s going to be very successful.”
Sheriff Fell also mentioned how this detective’s work will help stop serious crime and rescue victims in the area.
“Our goal is to limit those predators who are out to take advantage of our children,” Sheriff Fell said. “If we can stop someone you know, they may have gotten to a child or 2, but if we can stop them from exploiting or soliciting 10, 20, 100 other children, then that’s a win. Anything we can do to protect our children, we’re going to continue to find ways to do that.”
Keeping the children of Vigo County safe is a passion of Sheriff Fell, and he jumped at the idea of having someone join this task force, and how it will be great for the community.
“I think those would agree, I don’t have zero tolerance, I have negative tolerance for those who target our children,” Sheriff Fell said. “Whether they’re 5-year-olds, 10-year-olds, 15-year-olds. This is something I’ve been passionate about for quite some time. The opportunity arose here in the last year or so, and we started having conversations with our local law enforcement partners, including the state police.
The detective shall remain anonymous for the time being and will now focus mainly on investigating crimes against children. When the detective completes their training in September, they will be able to lead investigations for ICAC.
To learn more about ICAC, what they stand for, and to report anyone sexually exploiting or enticing children, just visit their website.
