Discord Child Exploitation Investigation Leads to Search Warrant
Investigators say child sexual abuse material was uploaded to Discord from a rural Central Point address, prompting a multi-agency search Wednesday morning.
An investigator stands outside a Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force vehicle during a search warrant in rural Central Point. Digital devices seized during the warrant will be forensically examined, according to JCSO. Photo by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
CENTRAL POINT – A child exploitation investigation tied to the social messaging app Discord led to a search warrant Wednesday morning at a rural Central Point residence.
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team, along with the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, served the warrant Wednesday, May 27, at a residence in the 5000 block of Table Rock Road.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, investigators served the search warrant after discovering child sexual abuse material images had been uploaded to Discord from the address.
SOCET began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. That tip led to subpoenas and, later, the search warrant.
Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.
During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices that will be forensically examined by the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force for further evidence of child exploitation, according to JCSO.
Agencies assisting with the warrant included the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Medford Police Department, Talent Police Department, the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force launched in June 2020 to combat child exploitation. The team includes investigators from JCSO, MPD, ODOJ ICAC and HSI, along with prosecutors from local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson County.
The Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force assisted during a Wednesday search warrant in rural Central Point. Investigators said seized digital devices will be examined for additional evidence. Photo by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force includes investigators from JCSO, HSI and MPD.
Investigators said they are continuing to examine seized devices and interview witnesses. No further details are being released at this time.
Cover image: Investigators served a search warrant Wednesday morning at a residence in the 5000 block of Table Rock Road in rural Central Point as part of an ongoing child exploitation investigation. Photo by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
