The indictment of a 25-year-old Alabama man in Yates County on 19 counts including the sex trafficking of a child is a reminder to parents about the potential abuse and exploitation of their kids through social media. That’s the message from Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella after announcing the arrest of Austin Pace on Friday.
The 25-year-old is alleged to have utilized social media and online chat applications to communicate with a minor child and enter into an online sexual relationship. Investigators also accuse Pace of using force or intimidation, to command her to engage in sexual activity and the creation of child pornography for his sexual gratification daily.
Pace is alleged to have utilized more than a dozen social applications to exploit the minor including but not limited to Snapchat, Discord, Among Friends, and Instagram. During the investigation, multiple electronic devices were seized along with the contents of the social media accounts that contained videos and images.
Casella said parents should be aware of the potential abuse and exploitation of their children through social media applications, chat rooms, online games, dating applications and should communicate with their children about the dangers. Casella said monitoring a minor’s online activity is highly encouraged.
If there is any suspicion of abuse or exploitation, please contact law enforcement immediately. To report abuse or neglect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anonymously, call the New York
State Central Registry Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720. Mandated Reporters: 1-800-635-1522. Deaf/Hard of Hearing: 1-800-638-5163. If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
You can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-
800-843-5678
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