Protecting Justice and Children: Why Law Enforcement, Not Vigilantes, Must Investigate Online Child Exploitation Cases

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- Montgomery County District Attorney Brett W. Ligon emphasizes the importance of law enforcement professionals in investigating online child exploitation cases rather than private individuals or vigilantes.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is committed to aggressively prosecuting those who prey on children, including individuals engaging in the online solicitation of minors. As part of the Houston-Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (HMICACTF), our county is responsible for approximately 40% of all proactive ICAC cases in the Task Force, despite representing only about 10% of the population. Our office is one of the few in the country with its own digital forensics lab, co-locating detectives from multiple agencies to pursue cases involving human trafficking, online solicitation of a minor, and child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

Why Law Enforcement, Not Civilians, Should Investigate These Cases

While public concern for protecting children is appreciated, law enforcement must handle these cases professionally and within legal guidelines. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program Operational and Investigative Standards (Revised Nov. 1, 2023) discourage accepting cases directly from private individuals conducting independent sting operations. The reasons for this careful approach include:

1. Legal Integrity of Cases: Law enforcement professionals are trained to conduct investigations that preserve evidence in a way that meets strict legal and constitutional standards. Civilians, even with good intentions, may unknowingly compromise key evidence, making prosecution difficult or impossible.

2. Ensuring Due Process: Every individual accused of a crime is entitled to due process under the law. Cases built by untrained civilians lack the necessary safeguards for a fair trial, increasing the risk of wrongful dismissals or overturned convictions.

3. Public and Officer Safety: Confronting potential offenders in person is extremely dangerous. Law enforcement follows strict safety protocols, whereas civilians attempting such actions may place themselves and others at risk.

4. Avoiding Civil Liability: Civilian-led investigations can create significant legal risks, including entrapment claims, defamation, and other legal challenges that can undermine legitimate law enforcement efforts.

5. Maintaining the Integrity of Law Enforcement: The justice system is most effective when trained professionals handle cases from start to finish. Civilian involvement can lead to evidentiary issues, legal challenges, and inconsistencies, ultimately making it harder to keep children safe.

Commitment to Justice and Safety

When criminal activity is reported, our office investigates thoroughly to determine if a case can be made. Each case is carefully reviewed, and all legally obtained evidence is evaluated before deciding on prosecution.

Our office remains dedicated to protecting children and holding offenders accountable while upholding the rule of law. The strongest possible case must be built to ensure successful prosecution. We urge those who suspect criminal activity to report concerns to law enforcement rather than attempting independent investigations. Working with trained professionals is the most effective way to ensure justice and protect our community.