In early 2025, detectives received a tip through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) data system about possible child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being uploaded from a Kik messenger account in Zanesville, Ohio. After further investigation, the report, submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, led investigators to a residence in town.
The account uploading the illicit material was associated with the email address tied to 25-year-old Steven M. Krofft of Zanesville, who was already a registered sex offender.
Investigators discovered that Krofft had also been using the alias “Kenya Krofft” online. The Kik account included multiple chat messages indicating active attempts to obtain and trade CSAM.
After securing a search warrant, officers located Krofft at a friend’s house and took him into custody. He admitted during an interview that he was a registered offender but denied knowingly exchanging CSAM. However, digital forensic evidence obtained from his account using Our Rescue-sponsored software revealed otherwise.
Krofft ultimately pled guilty to six counts of Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor, all second-degree felonies. In total, Krofft was sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison and has now been designated a Tier III sex offender, with a requirement to register every 90 days for life.
Early intervention is essential when it comes to exploitation via online platforms.
ICAC units remain on the front lines of the work to stop online exploitation. Our Rescue supports ICAC teams across the country by providing technology, forensic tools, and investigative resources through our ICAC Connect program. Learn more here: https://ourrescue.org/icac-connect