Internet predators lurk hidden in the community

A sexual predator doesn't need a crowbar or open window to get into your child's room. To them, a computer is even better.

Child predators lurk hidden in the community...and love the anonymity of the Internet. Preventing them from harming children is a top priority for families and protection advocates everywhere.

Even so, child predators sometimes get discovered in places we trust to be safe. In Detroit, Michigan's Attorney General Mike Cox yesterday announced the arrest of public school teacher Ryan Thomas Fawkes, 31, of Livonia, on charges related to soliciting a minor over the Internet and disseminating lewd materials to a minor.

Fawkes, a 7th grade science teacher at the Columbus Middle School located on the east side of Detroit and head coach of the Plymouth-Canton Hockey Association’s Midget-level travel team, was arrested this morning by Attorney General Investigators and officers from the Livonia Police Department as he was leaving his home. "It is particularly disturbing when those who are placed in positions of trust are accused of committing sex crimes against children," Cox stated. "Parents should never have to fear for the safety of their children in the classroom or when participating in youth sports."

On multiple occasions between October 3 and October 26, 2006, Fawkes allegedly communicated on-line in a chat room with an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old boy. During the course of these communications, Fawkes solicited the undercover agent for online sexual activity, sending lewd Webcam video images of himself, as well as other adult pornographic images, to the agent.

Parents are encouraged to check their children's "buddy lists" for the screen names. Help kids avoid IM and chat room misconduct.

With Safekeeper, you can know who your teen is chatting with through IMs and chat rooms by receiving real-text reports and transcript. Safekeeper monitors your teen's computer activity...including what they are saying, what they are receiving and downloading, and who they are IMing.

Safekeeper helps keep your kids safe.

Michigan State Police information here.

Child Online safety tips here.

Recommendations if you suspect your child has been sexual assaulted by a predator, click here.