Internet Crime Unit

Sheriff Warren Evans calls the Internet "the new West," in terms of its lack of police enforcement. He established his Internet Crime Unit in January of 2003 to combat the growing trend of online crime that targets children, adults and senior citizens alike.

The unit is most well known for its work catching sexual predators by using undercover officers to pose as young girls and boys in online chat rooms. This year, the unit has arrested 28 adult men who have attempted to meet with who they thought was a 13- or 14-year old girl for sex. Of the cases that have been adjudicated, the unit has a 100-percent conviction rate.

In addition to conducting these online chats, the officers also perform computer forensics to recover files – even deleted ones – that can help build their case.

The ICU also investigates identity theft, software piracy and other computer crimes.

The unit has been so successful that many other police agencies in Wayne County rely on it conduct investigations on their cases, where they lack the manpower or training.

The members of the Internet unit often conduct educational sessions to community groups wanting to know how to protect themselves or their kids. For more information, contact Investigator Ray Johnson at: 313-875-9676.

Identity Theft Facts
Internet Predators Facts

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