Court: 10k child sexual abuse images found on pastor’s devices, church computer
Court: 10k child sexual abuse images found on pastor's devices, church computer WBTV
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Granite Falls Pastor Federally Charged with Child Sexual Abuse Materials
GRANITE FALLS, N.C. (WBTV) – A Granite Falls pastor accused of having child sexual abuse materials has now been federally charged.
Ashley James Crouse was arrested on November 3, 2023, following an investigation based on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The tip, received in April 2023, originated from the cloud storage service Dropbox, which reported that one of its users possessed child pornography.
The name, email address, and IP addresses used were traced back to Crouse.
Investigation and Discovery
- Deputies with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and investigators with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation searched Crouse’s home and New Vision Baptist Fellowship on November 3.
- Crouse was interviewed by investigators and admitted to knowingly obtaining and using child pornography.
- Crouse confessed to watching it on his church computer while multi-tasking and completing church business, according to federal documents.
- Investigators found more than 10,000 images depicting child sexual abuse across devices found in Crouse’s home and church office, including his church computer.
- The materials depicted children younger than 10 years old engaged in sexual acts, as per police records.
- Two church officers stated that Crouse had started to lock his office, even if he was going to the bathroom. They also mentioned not having seen the inside of his office for months prior to November 3.
Charges and Additional Charges
- Crouse was initially charged with four counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
- An additional four counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor were later added.
- He is now also facing a federal charge of receipt of child pornography.
Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issues highlighted in the article relate to child sexual abuse, exploitation, and the violation of human rights. These issues are connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. SDG 5 is also relevant as it focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, including protecting them from violence and exploitation. Additionally, SDG 8 is connected as it aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
- Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor
Based on the content of the article, the specific targets that can be identified are Target 16.2 under SDG 16, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. Target 5.2 under SDG 5 is also relevant, as it focuses on eliminating all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres. Additionally, Target 8.7 under SDG 8 is connected, as it aims to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate the worst forms of child labor.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of child sexual abuse materials found
- Number of charges filed for sexual exploitation of a minor
- Number of admissions or confessions related to child pornography
- Number of images depicting child sexual abuse found
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the number of child sexual abuse materials found, the number of charges filed for sexual exploitation of a minor, the number of admissions or confessions related to child pornography, and the number of images depicting child sexual abuse found.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Number of child sexual abuse materials found – Number of charges filed for sexual exploitation of a minor – Number of admissions or confessions related to child pornography |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres | – Number of charges filed for sexual exploitation of a minor – Number of admissions or confessions related to child pornography |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor | – Number of charges filed for sexual exploitation of a minor – Number of admissions or confessions related to child pornography – Number of images depicting child sexual abuse found |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: wbtv.com
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