Sheriff’s Office launches Special Victims Unit

To manage an increasing caseload of sexual crimes – especially internet crimes against children – the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a Special Victims Unit.

“Sex crimes are investigations that require highly skilled and dedicated investigators who can be solely focused on that discipline,” Investigations Division Captain Chris Johnson said. “By dedicating people to train in and have a solid understanding of sex crime case law, statutes and investigative analysis, it will make for better outcomes for victims.”

The new Special Victims Unit consists of a sergeant and detective. While they will investigate all sex-related crimes, a majority of their caseload is composed of child sexual abuse material cases. These ICAC (internet crimes against children) investigations require detectives trained and certified in specialty investigative techniques, and only a few agencies in Clay County have them. The Sheriff’s Office takes on cases for jurisdictions who do not have certified ICAC investigators.

ICAC tips typically come from internet service providers, photo hosting sites or social media or messaging platforms that detect child sexual abuse material. Those tips go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which then distributes them to local jurisdictions like the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for investigation. The Special Victims Unit executed two search warrants last month in regard to these cases, and investigation is ongoing.

Due to the material to which they will be exposed, Special Victims Unit investigators will meet quarterly with a mental health clinician.

Sergeant Jeremy Fahrmeier will oversee the new unit.

“These types of investigations are critical,” Sergeant Fahrmeier said. “We have a lot of work to do and will be working very hard to remove the predators in our community to create a safer environment for our children and the public.”

KPGZ News - Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.