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03/03/04
 Two
things happened last month that got everyone's attention:
1.
On February 21, the photo of an unknown "John Doe"
suspect, culled from FBI undercover operations, who
was charged with "sexual exploitation of a minor
to produce child pornography" was aired on America's
Most Wanted -- and almost immediately the suspect
was identified by a caller. The suspect was
in prison in Indiana on child molestation charges.
2.
On February 28, another unknown "Joe Doe"
suspect, just like the first, was aired on America's
Most Wanted. A woman saw the show, recognized
her brother, called their mother, and Mom demanded that
he surrender immediately. He did. He turned
himself over to the Missoula, Montana, County Sheriff's
department.
John
Walsh, producer of the show, immediately saw the possibilities.
Why don't I air more of these kinds of cases?, he suggested.
To
announce this new initiative, he came to FBIHQ to join
Cyber Assistant Director Jana Monroe, Baltimore Special
Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins, and Andy Oosterbaan,
Chief of the Department of Justice's Exploitation and
Obscenity Section.
About
the two cases, Ms. Monroe said, "This
is a shining example of how law enforcement investigations
should work -- a collaborative effort involving multiple
law enforcement agencies together with a diligent and
alert public."
About
the new initiative, she said, "Once again
the public has benefited greatly from the tremendous
work of America's Most Wanted. For 16 years, the FBI
has enjoyed a close working relationship with John Walsh
and his staff. During this time, their efforts, along
with their viewers, have contributed to a safer America."
Stay
tuned. The photo of the next indicted "John
Doe", now posted on one of our Most
Wanted pages, is scheduled to air this Saturday
night, March 6. Don't miss it.
Pictured,
left to right, are Andy Oosterbaan, Chief of the Department
of Justice's Exploitation and Obscenity Section, America's
Most Wanted John Walsh, FBI Cyber Assistant Director
Jana Monroe, and FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge
Kevin Perkins.
Links: See also the press
release on the cases; remarks by FBI Assistant Director
Jana Monroe; the America's
Most Wanted website; and more information about
the Innocent Images
National Initiative headquartered at the FBI's Baltimore
Office. This program, formed in 1994 to investigate
child pornography, has initiated 10,509 cases and arrested
and charged over 3,000 persons. Its new Endangered
Child Alert Program will display photos of
the faces of unknown predators on this website to allow
people all over the country and the world to identify
them and help get them off our streets and away from
our children.
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