Predators Caught In Philly After Tip From Australia
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Quakertown woman was sentenced this week to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography, victimizing her own seven-year-old daughter in the process. Her boyfriend, who molested the child, was also sentenced to 25 years.
This successful prosecution actually grew out a tip from halfway around the world.
"I am extremely proud of the work our agents did," said Special Agent in Charge John Kelleghan, of Homeland Security Investigations.
Kelleghan says Victoria, Australia police were investigating a pedophile there. He was arrested and searches turned up evidence of child pornogrpahy and abuse of at least one child, possibly ongoing crimes originating in this area.
Kelleghan says HSI, part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was contacted in August 2012. They only had screennames, but through the weekend they subpoenaed documents and records, targets were identified and by Tuesday the two suspects were in custody.
"These people are going away for quite a long time, and no other children will be harmed, at least by these two folks," Kelleghan said.
Kelleghan says a second victim was also identified and saved from additional abuse.
