The Warren County District Attorney’s office is launching a new unit targeting those who use the internet to exploit children.

The WRATH (Web Response Against Traffickers and Harmers) unit, through First Assistant District Attorney Cody Brown, is a specialized investigative unit of local law enforcement officers committed to protecting children from online exploitation. WRATH is dedicated to the identification and capture of individuals who prey on children through digital means. Its mission is to expose and prosecute those who seek to exploit minors online.

“The launch of WRATH represents a strong and proactive step in defending our children from online predators,” said First Assistant District Attorney Cody Brown. “If you attempt to exploit children online, we will find you and we will stop you.”

The unit will target offenders who attempt to victimize children through online communication or by possessing and distributing child pornography. By utilizing advanced investigative technology, WRATH will identify predators and hold them accountable under the law. WRATH will also work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth and is formally associated with ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children), a nationwide program of task forces dedicated to combating the sexual exploitation of children online.

Brown also emphasized the importance of parental supervision.

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain watchful about their children’s online activity. Simple steps such as monitoring social media use, setting privacy controls, and talking openly about the dangers of online predators can make a significant difference. Anyone who suspects a child is being targeted online should immediately report the activity to local law enforcement.”

The unit figures to get plenty of work, with several cases that could have involved the unit surfacing in recent months.

In late September, a Russell man was charged with first-degree felony unlawful contact with a minor – sexual offenses, first-degree felony criminal attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 16 years of age, second-degree felony unlawful contact with a minor – sexual offenses, second-degree felony photograph/film/depiction on a computer sex act – knowingly or permitting child, second-degree felony unlawful contact with a minor – sexual offenses, and three counts of third-degree felony criminal use of a communication facility after allegedly using a jail tablet from the Warren County Prison to contact underage girls inappropriately.

Another man pleaded guilty earlier this year to three felony charges lodged against him after using Facebook messenger to set up a sexual encounter with an underage girl. Another Warren man still faces 138 separate counts of sex crimes after allegedly trying to meet someone he thought was a 15-year-old girl. Those charges have proceeded to the Court of Common Pleas but have not been adjudicated.