Authorities Launch Statewide Crackdown on Child Exploitation in Maine

Mason Hart

Authorities Launch Statewide Crackdown on Child Exploitation in Maine

Maine, United States — Multiple local authorities collaborated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in a comprehensive investigation into child exploitation in Maine.

According to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss, the investigation included Maine State Police, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in addition to HSI. The Sanford, Eliot, Kittery, Biddeford, and Fryeburg police departments also helped.

Moss stated in a press release that the agencies undertook a focused child exploitation enforcement operation in the state’s western and southern regions over four days this week.

Moss stated that a total of 16 search warrants were executed. Those searches led to the discovery, diffusion, and production of child sexual abuse material. Investigators also identified efforts to transmit sexually explicit content to minors, as well as online pressure of youngsters into producing sexual abuse material.

The warrants were executed in the following Maine towns: Lyman, Limington, Hollis, Biddeford, Kittery, Eliot, Arundel, Steep Falls, North Waterboro, Sanford, Fryeburg, Bryant Pond, Hiram, West Paris, Hartford, Norway, and Madison.

Moss stated that the authorities are currently conducting a large-scale inquiry into what was discovered. Once finished, their conclusions will be submitted to local district attorney offices or the United States Attorney. This could lead to grand jury indictments.

Moss reported that the investigations resulted in the arrest of two people.

Shawn Ramsay, 48, of Arundel, was charged with possessing weapons while violating a protection from abuse order. Benjamin Fecteau, 37, of Eliot, was arrested on two warrants, one for failing to comply with the sex offender registration.

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