FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police have arrested 309 online child predators since 2019, said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., in a release. 

“Our message is clear – there is no place for child predators or any crime against children in Kentucky,” Beshear said. "As a dad, I want every child to be safe from harm, and as governor, I will continue working to make sure this is the reality. And we are making this happen thanks to the vigilant efforts of the Kentucky State Police and our local law enforcement agencies."

The KSP said it's urging Kentuckians to be aware of financial sextortion. The scheme involves someone gaining sexually explicit photos or videos of a victim and using the content to blackmail them. Kentuckians should contact law enforcement immediately if they believe they know someone who has been a victim. 

"Our team is committed to tracking down the people who hide behind the keyboard to target young people," said Lt. Mike Browning, Electronic Crime Branch commander. "We are working diligently to create a safer online environment for children by equipping parents with the knowledge and tools to monitor their children's activity online."

To further prevent this scheme, KSP introduced its first-ever electronic storage device detection K-9 in 2021, one of only 51 of its kind nationwide. K-9 May joined the agency in 2021 to help locate hidden electronic storage devices such as hard drives and cellphones that may contain child sexual abuse material. K-9 Cam also came onboard in 2022 to serve "as an investigative tool for detectives interviewing children involved in these crimes," KSP said. 

The Electronic Crime Branch also partners with Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky to educate parents on how to protect their children online.

"At the heart of the work of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky is to prevent our children from falling prey to this horrific crime in the first place," said Jill Seyfred, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. "These online resources and training have reached all 120 counties and received national attention. If just one family is equipped to be alert to the dangers of online predators, and if just one child is tucked into bed tonight having avoided these horrifying consequences, then we know we are moving in the right direction with our education and awareness activities."

The KSP said to contact the Electronic Crime Branch at 502-782-9769 or any KSP local post to report a suspected internet crime against a child.