CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Prosecutors warn parents about online safety after more than 100 predators arrested within the last year

Nov 19, 2019, 6:58 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:25 am

(Photo Credit: Paul Nelson)...

(Photo Credit: Paul Nelson)

(Photo Credit: Paul Nelson)

SALT LAKE CITY – A warning to parents from the Salt Lake County DA’s Office, the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI. They say it’s as important as ever to speak with your kids about how they use social media and who they’re meeting.

Between September of last year and September of this year, prosecutors say they had arrested 80 people who were trying to entice children online.  District Attorney Sim Gill says they teamed up with federal partners to hold four separate sting operations in October.  He says the amount of arrests are alarming.

“Within that 30 day period, 30 predators were identified and arrested as part of that effort,” Gill says.

The list of suspects include people like James Richins, a convicted sex offender who was reportedly trying to entice someone under the age of 18 for sex.  Another suspect is Dominic Fredricksen, who is facing four counts in federal court.

Gill says, “We had one predator that was arrested, convicted, did 210 days in jail, was released and within ten days was already picked up again for enticing, yet, a second child.”

Investigators these predators include people like teachers, clergy, athletes, fathers and mothers, and predators are on essentially every kind of social media platform.

“You’re children are probably on these platforms as we speak,” according to FBI Special Agent In Charge Paul Haertel.

Federal prosecutors say all parents have their kids’ best interest at heart, but there could be times when discussing social media activity can be extremely uncomfortable.  However, US Attorney for Utah John Huber says the problem is too big for parents to ignore.

Huber says, “It netted 30 arrests (snap) like that.  What does that tell you?  That’s a barometer that tells you what kind of problem we have in Utah.”

He says online chats can go from “hello” to discussing sex in a shockingly short amount of time.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

10 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

10 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

10 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

10 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

10 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

10 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Prosecutors warn parents about online safety after more than 100 predators arrested within the last year