Matthew Barlow, Child Pornography, Ohio 2023

Matthew Barlow, a known sex offender, was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Cleveland, Ohio, for possession and receipt of numerous images of child pornography. The arrest was made during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and HSI are reminding parents to be vigilant of their children’s online activities.

According to U.S. Attorney Herdman, “The work our office and partners do to protect children and prevent abuse never stops, even during a national emergency.” He emphasized that parents can help in this fight by taking an active role in knowing who their children talk to and what they do online.

Special Agent in Charge Vance Callender of HSI Detroit stated, “Child predators continue to target young people even during this public health crisis.” He assured the public that HSI is designed to adapt to ensure its ability to protect children.

Ongoing investigations against child predators have not slowed down, said Ben Shaw, HSI Cleveland special agent. He cited the arrest of Matthew Barlow as an example of HSI’s continued efforts to combat child sexual exploitation.

U.S. Attorney Herdman and HSI offered the following tips to help protect children online:

• Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded.

• Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.

• Monitor your children’s use of the internet; keep electronic devices in an open, common room of the house.

• Check your children’s profiles and what they post online.

• Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the internet.

• Make sure children know that anyone who asks a child to engage in sexually explicit activity online should be reported to a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult, as well as law enforcement.

To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation, contact your local law enforcement agency or submit a tip online at www.ice.gov/tipline, by phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE, or by contacting your local HSI office. Reports can also be filed with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or online at www.cybertipline.org.

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