BLOOMINGTON – On June 21, 2024, detectives with the Bloomington Police Department (BPD) received an award from the Indiana State Police (ISP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The award named the Bloomington Police Department as the 2023 Indiana ICAC Task Force Affiliate of the Year. It was presented to Detective Kevin Frank, Detective Jon Muscato, Sergeant Cody Forston, and Lieutenant Lucas Tate during a ceremony in Indianapolis by ISP First Sergeant Christopher Cecil, who serves as the Commander of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Throughout 2023, BPD detectives investigated 168 complaints of cybercrimes involving children, 130 of which were received as cybertips through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). These investigations resulted in issuing 53 court orders, 172 search warrants, and numerous forensic examinations of computers, phones, and other digital media devices. As a result of these investigations, 13 arrests have been made so far, with suspects facing both state and federal charges, and several investigations remain ongoing. These investigations frequently occur outside the Bloomington city limits, including Monroe County and all surrounding counties.
“The work that these investigators do on a daily basis is extremely important, as they are protecting the children of our community,” said Chief Michael Diekhoff. “I am very proud of our ICAC Task Force members, their dedication and professionalism. I thank the Indiana State Police for their recognition of BPD investigators.”
