In a harrowing case that underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in combating online child exploitation, the Berkshire County State Police Detective Unit, in conjunction with the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, recently concluded a comprehensive investigation following a Cyber Tip Report issued by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The investigation led to the arrest of Slade Sohmer, the ex-editor-in-chief of The Recount, and journalist who "debunked" Pizzagate as well as stints at SiriusXM Radio, HyperVocal, Mic, Beme. LinkedIN also indicates that Sohmer, since 2010 has worked as a co-director at Camp Power, a nonprofit which "provides kids from New York City's most underfunded and underserved neighborhoods with freedom and encouragement that are often lacking int their communities back in the city."
The investigative journey began when Snapchat reported a disturbing incident on 09-30-22, where an explicit video depicting an 11-12-year-old boy engaging in inappropriate behavior was uploaded using a specific IP address. The Cyber Tip, forwarded by NCMEC, revealed that the IP address traced back to the City of Westfield Gas and Electric Light Department. Pursuant to a subpoena request by Assistant Attorney General Christopher W. Kelly, the IP address was identified as belonging to Slade Sohmer, who had been in service since 10-01-2021.
On 10-17-2023, a search warrant was authorized by Central Berkshire District Court Clerk Magistrate Christopher Speranzo and executed the following day by various law enforcement agencies. The search of Sohmer's residence uncovered crucial evidence, including two mobile phones – an Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and a Black iPhone 11.
Upon examining the seized phones, Trooper Matthew Mozzi identified alarming content. Sohmer's iPhone 14 Pro Max contained eight images and nine videos classified as "Child Exploitation Material/Age-Difficult" by Cellebrite Physical Analyzer. A second cellphone, a Black iPhone 11, harbored a staggering (1,315) images and (92) videos flagged as "Possible Child Abuse Content" by AXIOM's content filter/tag system.
Further investigations into Sohmer's Telegram account, which allegedly contained "hundreds" of exploitative images and videos, added another layer of concern. Sergeant Mauer reported that out of 536 videos viewed, 53 were marked as "sent" by Cellebrite Physical Advisor.
The examination of eight videos revealed a disturbing pattern – each video featured the same child and was created/sent on the same day (11-06-21). An additional six videos, presumably of the same child based on physical characteristics, had varying creation dates, with one dated 09-10-21. Sergeant Mauer's query into the location of the device on 11-06-21 pointed to Otis, Massachusetts, according to Google Earth.
The collaborative efforts of the Berkshire County State Police Detective Unit, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, and NCMEC have unveiled a deeply troubling case of child exploitation facilitated through Snapchat. Slade Sohmer's arrest brings to light the grave implications of online platforms being misused for heinous activities. This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilant law enforcement and technological interventions to protect our most vulnerable members of society from exploitation in the digital age.
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