Wasserman Schultz Delivers Half Million Federal Investment to Help BSO Stop Online Child Predators

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony and South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force leader Sergeant Thomas McInerney to announce delivery of $535,000 in critical federal funds that she fought to secure to help local law enforcement identify online child predators and victims.

To watch the full press conference, click here.

To watch the check presentation, click here.

This funding will provide digital forensic software, a forensic van upgrade and investigative tools to assist law enforcement personnel in identifying victims and getting offenders off the internet and away from our children.

"The South Florida ICAC Task Force has seen a 157% increase in CyberTips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. And the-already grueling demands on the Task Forces are, tragically, only growing with AI simulations," said Wasserman Schultz. "As predators become more and more technologically advanced, we must ensure law enforcement is able to stay ahead of the curve."

ICAC Task Forces are comprised of a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing over 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement, dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and developing effective responses to internet crimes against children. From 1998 to 2023, ICAC forces reviewed more than 7 million reports of online abuse, which resulted in more than 134,000 people being arrested.

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