On February 6, 2023, the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office partnered with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Zionsville Police Department, Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department, and Lebanon Police Department in the formation of the Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E) Task Force. The mission of the C.A.S.E. Task Force is to help local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children.
“Our residents know all too well the havoc that these cases can wreak on the victims, their family, and our community. This expansion of investigations will significantly aid in combating the ever-increasing cyber-facilitated exploitation of children in Boone County,” added Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood.
In 2021, approximately 117 cases involving crimes against children were investigated by Boone County law enforcement agencies. In 2022, that number grew to 150+ investigated cases along with 52 internet crimes against children cases. These types of cases require a special type of investigator with highly specialized training, to which the C.A.S.E. Task Force will specialize.
The Indiana State Police has assisted by awarding the unit a $35,000 grant this year for additional forensic testing equipment and investigator trainings. Participating members bring broad-ranging expertise encompassing forensic and investigative components, training, technical assistance, victim services, prevention, and education.
In addition to the personnel assigned to the task force, the team has developed collaborative office spaces and a forensic cyber lab at Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department which houses task force personnel.
Boone County Agencies that are participating in the Boone County C.A.S.E Task Force are:
- The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office
- The Boone County Sheriff’s Office
- Zionsville Police Department
- Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department
- Lebanon Police Department
For media requests, contact Detective Morganne Carpenter at mcarpenter@co.boone.in.us.
