On mission to protect Greenville County youth.
On Monday, August 19, 2024, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis introduced the Internet Crimes Against Children newest team member at McAlister Square.
Through the generous donation of Ms. Tony Clark and Defenders for Children, K-9 Scooby has joined the team. He serves a very specific manner on cases as an Electronic Detection K-9 Deputy; sniffing out hidden electronic evidence, even something as small as a pinky sized micro SD card which can house millions of images of abuse, to help identify and rescue victims of trafficking, pornography and sex abuse.
Scooby's predecessor, Que, contributed immeasurable results during her near 6 year employment, executing 83 search warrants and uncovering 110 electronic devices. Sheriff Hobart Lewis applauded her efforts saying "Que, the first Electronic Detection K-9 donated to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office has earned a well deserved retirement."
Scooby has some big paws to fill as duty calls him to keep Greenville County children safe; "This invaluable asset affords the Greenville County Sheriff's Office the opportunity to relentlessly work to build a safer and more secure future for all who call Greenville home." GCSO Hobart Lewis
Sheriff Hobart Lewis also thanked Defenders for Children and the continued support of International Plastics for making Scooby's introduction and employment possible.
The role of an Electronic Detection K-9 is crucial in seeking out evidence in order to arrest and convict child abusers and traffickers. K-9's are "trained to locate a common chemical that is on all electronic reading devices including: hidden cameras, micro SD cards, burner phones, thumb drives, computers and tablets." Defenders for Children website
Electronic Detection K-9's have been used to assist in many high profile cases, including Jared Fogle, who served as Subway's spokesperson for 15 years beginning in 2000. In 2015, Fogle was convicted of child sex tourism and possession of child pornography.
If you would like to join the effort and support Defenders for Children, a non-profit organization, click HERE. To attend or sponsor their upcoming "Sunday Soiree" on October 6, 2024, click HERE.