Report on Law Enforcement Action Against Child Exploitation in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Case Summary

A legal case has been initiated against Dillon Harding, 27, of Dover, York County, following his arrest on charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This action represents a critical enforcement measure in support of national and international commitments to child protection, directly aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The defendant was on probation for a prior conviction for similar conduct, highlighting the challenge of recidivism in crimes against children.

2.0 Direct Contribution to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

This case is a direct implementation of SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. The actions taken by the Office of the Attorney General exemplify progress toward specific targets within this goal.

• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. The investigation, arrest, and prosecution of an individual for possessing and downloading CSAM are fundamental actions to disrupt the cycle of child exploitation and abuse.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. By charging a repeat offender and bringing the case to prosecution, the justice system is upholding the rule of law and working to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

3.0 Investigation and Charges

The investigation demonstrates the capacity of state institutions to address technologically-facilitated crimes against children. The charges filed against the defendant are substantial and reflect the severity of the offense.

3.1 Investigative Details

1. An agent from the Office of Attorney General Child Predator Section identified a computer downloading a torrent file containing CSAM.
2. The computer’s IP address was traced to the defendant, Dillon Harding.
3. Investigation revealed Harding was serving a three-year probation sentence for a 2023 conviction for similar offenses.
4. A search of the residence uncovered devices, including a Steam Deck and an additional cell phone, used to circumvent court-ordered internet monitoring.

3.2 Formal Charges

• 200 felony counts of sexual abuse of children and possession of child sexual abuse material.
• One count of criminal use of a communication facility.

4.0 Broader Implications for Sustainable Development

Beyond SDG 16, this law enforcement action supports other interconnected goals essential for sustainable development by safeguarding the well-being and future of children.

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation is crucial for their long-term physical and mental health, preventing trauma that can have lifelong consequences.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): While not specified in the report, CSAM disproportionately victimizes girls. Efforts to combat its proliferation contribute to Target 5.2, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation.

This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Janie Swinehart. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article directly relates to SDG 16 as it details the actions of a justice institution (the Office of Attorney General) to combat a serious crime, specifically child sexual abuse and exploitation. The investigation, arrest, and charging of the suspect are core functions of a strong justice system aimed at protecting vulnerable populations (children) and upholding the rule of law. The entire narrative revolves around law enforcement’s efforts to end violence against children and hold perpetrators accountable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus on child abuse and the justice system’s response, two specific targets under SDG 16 are clearly identifiable.

1. Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

   This target is directly addressed. The article’s subject is the arrest of an individual for possessing “child sexual abuse material,” which is a direct form of child abuse and exploitation. The proactive work of the “Office of Attorney General Child Predator Section” is a clear effort to achieve this target by identifying and stopping individuals who “abuse and exploit children.”

2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   The article exemplifies the promotion of the rule of law. It describes the legal process in action: an investigation identified a suspect, a search was conducted, and the individual was “arrested and charged with 200 felony counts.” The mention that the case is “being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Janie Swinehart” and the legal disclaimer that “all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty” further underscore the commitment to a formal justice process as outlined in this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly state official SDG indicators, but it contains information that serves as qualitative or proxy indicators for measuring progress.

• Indicator for Target 16.2: Number of victims of violence.

  While the exact number of victims is not stated, the charge of “200 felony counts of sexual abuse of children and possession of child sexual abuse material” implies a significant volume of abusive content, which corresponds to numerous instances of child abuse and exploitation. The number of charges and arrests for such crimes serves as a crucial data point for measuring efforts to end violence against children.

• Indicator for Target 16.3: Functioning of the justice system.

  The article provides a narrative indicator of a functioning justice system. The successful identification of a repeat offender through an IP address, the subsequent investigation, arrest, and the formal pressing of charges demonstrate the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement institutions (specifically the “Child Predator Section”). The mention of the suspect’s prior conviction and probation sentence also indicates that the justice system is tracking and attempting to manage offenders, which is a measure of its institutional strength.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: attorneygeneral.gov