Pretzel bag a clue to predator
A series of videos showing the suspect sexually assaulting a young girl, date stamped in April and posted to the Internet May 2, were discovered by Danish authorities, who notified U.S. authorities May 3.
A careful review of the four videos leads authorities to think the images were made in the U.S., particularly items in the background, including a bag of pretzels made and distributed only in the United States.
A criminal complaint and arrest warrant for "John Doe" was signed Friday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. HSI is seeking any tips about the possible identity or whereabouts of John Doe, who is believed to be located somewhere in the United States.
HSI is requesting that anyone with information about this person contact the agency immediately, in one of two ways: Call the ICE Tip Line, which is staffed 24-hours a day (866) 347-2423 from the U.S. and Canada or (802) 872-6199 from anywhere in the world; or complete an online tip form at www.ice.gov/tips.
All tips will remain anonymous. Individuals should not attempt to apprehend the suspect personally.
HSI's Victim Identification Program seeks to rescue child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers.
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.
HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.