Technology Hurting and Helping Child Porn Cases | ABC7

By Ben Henry - April 26 2019
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SOUTHWEST Fla. - Southwest Florida has been meet with another case of child pornography. After an eight-month investigation, deputies busted a LaBelle man for posting very inappropriate pictures of young boys. Follow this story to get email or text alerts from ABC7 when there is a future article following this storyline.

Deputies said Gavino Barrera uploaded eight pictures to 'Tumblr.' Technology, and websites similar to Tumblr, are making it easier for predators to target and exploit children - but, we're also learning they can be tools to bust these criminals.  To help people, and our local law enforcement, start working towards curbing these cases, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is hosting its 'Human Trafficking Symposium.'

Along with FGCU, the State Attorney's Office, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and local non-profit Christy's Cause will also be leading the way. Being held on May 9, the goal is to educate and train attendees to combat this in our community.

"We're hearing over and over again that knowledge is power," Christy Ivie, the founder and president of Christy's Cause, said. "And, as a community when we know what to look for, then we're able to identify red flags, and we're able to take action."

For years, Christy's Cause has been doing similar work. Its 'WeCare' program has been training health professionals to spot those warning signs, as many victims find themselves in our hospitals. 

If you think you know of a child getting exploited, Christy said the best thing you can do is report it to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by clicking here.

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