JONESBORO, Ark. – Warnings from departments across the United States began coming in over the weekend, including from Jonesboro Police Department, about a disturbing video reportedly depicting a small child being sexually abused.
The video, which was being shared on Facebook by many, constitutes child pornography. The act of sharing or sending the video to another, even with good intentions (however misplaced), is a felony. The statement issued by JPD via their Facebook page is urging all who might receive the video to immediately delete the message it was in and NOT to forward or share it.
We have had a disturbing video sent to us by numerous concerned citizens depicting a young child being abused. We want to let everyone know that we have detectives working very hard to identify these people and, if they are in our jurisdiction, we will work to prosecute those responsible.
Having said that, we must ask people to stop sharing the video with us and each other trying to get them identified. Sharing child pornography, even with good intent, is considered a felony and can be prosecuted. Possessing it in messenger or elsewhere on a computer is also a felony offense.
We appreciate all of those who are concerned and want to see this child rescued from this situation. We want the same and are working to make that happen. Please do not share the video and if you have it in your messenger account or elsewhere, delete it. – JPD
Agencies from several states reported to media outlets over the weekend receiving the video. All urged caution against sharing the video. Although citizens may have the desire to help rescue a victim, they’re in effect making the person a victim all over again with each share.
Missouri and Alabama law enforcement officials have also been responding to the shared video. Fox 2 in St. Louis reports the FBI is investigating the case.
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