Internet Crimes Against Children: The Predators Have Evolved, So Should We

As a former Internet Crimes Against Children detective, this is no longer just a law enforcement issue — it’s a community wake-up call. We live in an age where the very devices we allow in our children’s hands.  Phones, tablets, and gaming consoles are being used by predators to access them, groom them, exploit them, and in some cases, even abduct them. Not somewhere far away. Right here in our own communities.

I’ve seen just how quickly a child can be manipulated online, and how complex these cases are to investigate. They require specialized training, advanced technology, and, most importantly — time. Time that can’t be borrowed from another caseload. Time that shouldn’t be divided between multiple unrelated assignments.

Here in Johnston County, we’ve seen:

    •    A Clayton case where juveniles were lured online and traveled across state lines with adult suspects.

    •    Multiple sextortion cases targeting local teens and young adults, some resulting in significant emotional and financial harm.

    •    And just next door in Harnett County, a 15-year-old girl was abducted by two adult men she met online. She was later found in Kitty Hawk thanks to rapid coordination between the FBI, SBI, and local law enforcement — but only after a statewide Amber Alert.

And next door in Harnett County, a 15-year-old girl was abducted by men she met online. She was found thanks to a statewide Amber Alert and joint law enforcement action — but not before being taken.

The Johnston County Sheriff himself has said they need a full-time detective assigned to these cases — yet, the reality is these investigations continue to be treated as part-time duties, stacked on top of other responsibilities like sex offender monitoring.

If even the Sheriff acknowledges the need for full-time focus, why then are these investigations still handled as secondary assignments?

    •    Are we risking delays, missed leads, and lost opportunities because of this disconnect?

    •    Can we truly expect to protect our children if the resources and staffing don’t match the threat?

Johnston County deserves better. Our children deserve better. Here's what we need NOW:

1. Full-Time Detective

It’s time to establish a full-time detective position dedicated solely to Internet Crimes Against Children investigations.

2. Training & Tools

It’s time to provide the training and digital tools necessary to outpace evolving predators..

3. More Than Part-Time Protection

It’s time to make our children’s safety the absolute priority — not an afterthought. The predators have adapted. It’s time our response did too. If you believe our children deserve more than part-time protection, share this message. Let’s demand real commitment.

Randy Ackley

GOP Candidate for Sheriff