When investigators with the Oklahoma ICAC Task Force enter a search scene, time matters. Evidence can be hidden inside walls, tucked into furniture, concealed in vehicles, or deliberately disguised to avoid detection. In these moments, human search alone isn’t always enough. That’s where K9 Arwen comes in.
Arwen is an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 sponsored by Our Rescue, specially trained to locate electronic devices by detecting the chemical compounds emitted by items such as cell phones, hard drives, USBs, SD cards, and other digital media. Working alongside Task Force agents, detectives, and investigators, Arwen uses her nose to find what eyes and traditional search methods can miss. Her work allows investigators to conduct more thorough searches, saving critical time and helping to ensure no evidence is left behind.
Over the past several months, Arwen has been an essential part of multiple Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigations in Oklahoma.
With K9 Arwen’s search support, a 22-year-old man from Edmond, Oklahoma, was charged with 34 criminal counts after investigators uncovered evidence he posed as a juvenile on Snapchat to solicit nude images and communicate sexually with minors. Initial charges included possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), multiple counts of soliciting sexual conduct with a minor, and computer crimes. Additional charges were later added when investigators identified further alleged victims and conduct.
Additionally, helped with a search involving a 51-year-old former associate vice president of research at Oklahoma State University in connection with internet crimes against children, including allegedly soliciting minors online for lewd photographs and attempting to arrange in-person meetings. He was arrested and is facing charges that include solicitation of sexual conduct with a minor, violation of the Computer Crimes Act, and lewd acts with a child under 16. The university has removed him from its directory and says it is cooperating with investigators as the case continues.
In several cases, digital forensic examinations of the devices found by K9 Arwen later revealed that they contained key information that helped police connect critical information from across different devices, exposing the vast reach and depth that offenders will go to exploit children.
Ultimately, evidence located with Arwen’s assistance thus far has led to the identification of more than fifteen child victims across the United States.
ESD K9 Arwen’s ability to locate hidden electronic evidence strengthens cases, supports accountability, and helps ensure investigations are as thorough as possible.
Help fund more ESD K9s today and you help keep children safe.
