Children being exploited online is an ever-growing threat in communities across the country. Every day, predators use technology to share, download, and distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM), leaving children traumatized and putting more in danger. These crimes aren’t just staying hidden on the internet, they are spreading into neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces, threatening the safety of entire communities.
The Boone County Case
In April of 2025, Boone County Sheriff’s Office detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Ridge Avenue in Hebron. Their investigation began with an IP address linked to the sharing of multiple files confirmed to contain CSAM. That digital footprint was traced back to James McReynolds, aged 33, whose residence was then searched.
With assistance from the Sheriff’s Criminal Forensic Unit, Electronic Crimes Unit, and Our Rescue-sponsored Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Mo, detectives recovered numerous electronic devices containing CSAM files. During questioning, McReynolds admitted to using torrent software to download and view the explicit media files and confessed to sharing those same files with others. He was arrested and charged with sixty counts of Distribution of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor Under 12.
The Florence Case
Just weeks later, in June of 2025, Florence Police launched their own operation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Digital evidence flagged as CSAM was traced to the residence of Charles J. Dawes, aged 35, of Union. Florence Detective Ryan Kilmer led the investigation, obtaining a search warrant and working alongside Boone County Sergeant Drew Christian and ESD K9 Mo to carry it out.
Once again, K9 Mo helped uncover multiple electronic devices containing CSAM. Dawes was arrested and charged with eight counts of Possessing Matter Sex Performance by Minor 0/12<18 (1st offense), one count of Possessing Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor Under 12, and three counts of Indecent Exposure, 2nd degree.
Both suspects were booked into the Boone County jail, and their cases are moving forward in the courts. Law enforcement stresses that charges are accusations only until proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Still, the outcome of these investigations demonstrates what happens when agencies pool their resources and act decisively. Each successful operation not only takes dangerous suspects off the streets, but they also prevent further harm to children and reduce the spread of CSAM spreading.
At Our Rescue, we’re proud to sponsor ESD K9s all over the country. Together, side-by-side with law enforcement and community partners, we are making it harder for predators to hide, and safer for children to grow up free from exploitation.