Channel 9 joins undercover investigation to catch online predators targeting children
Online predators are targeting children every day in the United States -- Channel 9 got an inside look with an undercover operation to find these predators, and it turned out that we didn't have to go far to find adults accused of soliciting children online.
Our team followed Cabarrus County deputies as they tracked down and arrested the accused predators. Now, nine men are under arrest.
The evidence collected in these cases paints a scary picture of the 'what-ifs' that could happen to victims. Investigators found guns, drugs, condoms, and treats or gifts for the child that these men thought they were meeting.
It's work that can be disgusting at times, but every arrest means one less predator.
>>Watch Channel 9 starting at 5 p.m. to see the ways predators make that first contact with children, how quickly it can escalate, and how authorities are fighting back against the very real threat in our communities.
(VIDEO: 9 Investigates 'The Rescued': Teen saved from human trafficking)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Police find 2 dead inside Lake County home
A death investigation is underway after police found two bodies inside a Tavares home. Officers made the discovery Tuesday night at the Etowah subdivision. Drone 9 flew over the crime scene in the gated community. The Tavares Police Department has not said how the two people died or what their relationship was to each other. Investigators told Channel 9 it appeared to be an 'isolated incident.' Monitor for updates on this case. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Parents of Sanford toddler nearly killed in hit-and-run ask for community help to solve the case
Sanford Police are asking the community to come forward with information on a hit-and-run that nearly killed a toddler. 3-year-old Harmonie Rose Bryant has been fighting for her life at Arnold Palmer hospital, since she was hit on Persimmon Avenue in the Goldsboro neighborhood on Thursday. According to her family, the toddler is in stable condition, but she had brain bleeding and multiple fractures to her skull and pelvis. The family spoke exclusively with Channel 9 and said Harmonie will likely have a long road to recovery. According to the family, the 3-year-old is awake but unable to communicate and could have lasting issues from the crash. Her parents told Channel 9 they were watching their daughter play 'Red Light, Green Light' with her older brother just feet away from their Sanford home, as a driver jumped the curve and slammed into their daughter. 'We were sitting right there on the porch when it happened. And that car came flying around the corner,' said Harmonie's father Melvin Bryant. 'She went flying in the air. I jumped off the porch, almost fell down the steps,' added Harmonie's mother Lakisha Debose, as she recalled the horrifying moment. Harmonie's parents said they have been by their daughter's hospital bedside 24/7 since the crash and are asking for continued prayers for her recovery. The family and several neighbors told Channel 9 speeding is a problem along Persimmon Avenue where the crash happened. They believe the city needs to take some speed calming measures on the road. Meanwhile, Harmonie's parents said they are frustrated the person responsible for the hit and run is still at large. They are begging the community to provide information to police that could help close the case. 'I want justice,' said Bryant, 'I'm asking for anybody to step forward.' Sanford Police said they do have persons of interest but have not made any arrests yet. The department said anyone with information about the hit-and-run could contact Sanford Police directly or make an anonymous report via Crimeline. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Charlotte council member accused of fraud sends email over reelection as ‘test'
Charlotte City Councilmember Tiawana Brown says an email that was reportedly sent with her plans to not seek reelection was actually a test. Channel 9 obtained the email, which was sent to some supporters and colleagues, and it said Brown wouldn't seek re-election for her District 3 seat later this year. The email referenced her recent federal indictment for fraud. Brown now says she is still planning to run for reelection. Brown and her daughters were federally charged for alleged fraud involving the Paycheck Protection Program. Channel 9 reported extensively on her indictment in late May. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: City councilmember, daughters indicted on PPP fraud charges Embattled Charlotte Councilwoman Tiawana Brown hosts town hall City councilmember calls for investigation after repeated closed session leaks Brown previously told Channel 9 she believes she is innocent, and she insisted she paid back the money for the PPP loan. This is the statement that was sent on Tuesday: 'Hello, Family, Colleagues Constituents and Faithful Supporters of District 3, It is with a humble and heavy heart that I share this message with you today. On Thursday, May 21st, my life changed forever. After much prayer, reflection, and deep conversations with my family, I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election. The past three weeks have been overwhelmingly painful—for me, for my family, and for those who love and support me. The media smear campaigns, the hate, the silence of some I once called friends—all of it has been a storm. But through it all, we stood. We survived. We fought. If there's one thing you know about the woman you elected, it's this: I am a truth-teller and a fierce defender of justice. I have never backed down from a fight rooted in love and truth. I was born into struggle—and I have risen through it, again and again. It's easy for people to pass judgment when they don't understand how the criminal legal system works. That's exactly why I've chosen to live my life as an open book—and why I've dedicated myself to fighting against a system that was never designed for us. As of now, two individuals—Mr. Montravias King and Ms. Joi Mayo—are seeking the District 3 seat. I want to be clear: I will not be endorsing anyone in this race. I will stay in the seat that you put me in until my term ends in December 2025. Many of you have sent cards, flowers, messages, and made personal visits encouraging me to run again. Please know: this decision was not made lightly. I carry your love with me as I take the next steps. I look forward to what the future holds. I will remain present, active, and deeply rooted in the community that raised and supported me. I am committed to continuing to serve, to heal, and to walk through this legal battle with my head held high and my faith unwavering. All my life I've had to fight. And when we fight, we win. Until the next chapter—thank you, from the bottom of my heart. With love and patience, Councilwoman Dr. Tiawana Brown District 3, Charlotte City Council" After Channel 9 reported on the email, Brown called and said that the email wasn't true, and that it was sent to see if she could trust someone. Brown acknowledged that she wrote the email, but she says she does plan to run for reelection. This is a developing news story. Check back for updates. (VIDEO: 'Part of the fabric': Charlotte council eyes rules for NoDa street vendors)
