Sextorting among matters on DCI radar

Alexis Barker
NLJ Reporter
 
Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation Special Agent and Newcastle High School alumnus Ryan Hieb will host an informative gathering on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Crouch Auditorium for parents and community members to discuss new state statutes on possession and distribution of nude images between minors — or sexting, according to information from Principal Tracy Ragland. 
“Ryan is going to be here for freshman impact and will present on the topic to the freshmen. As part of his program, he has designed a separate program for parents,” Ragland said. “Since Ryan is an alumnus, he is very passionate about his work and will be very open and forthcoming with his former high school.” 
Hieb said he tends to cover the same topic with the students and with parents, only the parents get a more in-depth presentation. 
“I do a more in-depth presentation with the parents and discuss applications to watch for and things to watch for within those apps,” Hieb said. “I do not allow any students to be present for the parent presentation.”
Hieb derives his expertise on child pornography from his experience with the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation on the
computer crime team, where he has served since July 2014.  
According to Hieb, in recent years the amount of self-produced child exploitation images being shared online has increased significantly. The result has been an increase in these images being shared among juveniles and adults. 
“In recent years,
there have also been significant increases in sextortion type cases, where juveniles are targeted by offenders and threatened in order to produce more images or videos,” Hieb said. “The presentation will cover internet safety and protecting yourself online. The presentation covers the new law put in place in July 2017.”
That new state law concerns dissemination or possession of a nude image of a minor by a minor. 
“The presentation will also discuss the idea of a digital footprint, issues concerning social media, myths surrounding the popular social media application Snapchat and examples of cases which have happened here in Wyoming,” Hieb said. 
He noted that the computer crime team investigates many of the cases he will speak of. 
“The presentations are important to educate both students and parents that these kinds of crimes do happen in Wyoming,” Hieb said. “It is also important for students and parents to learn how online activities can have a lasting impact on individuals throughout their life.”