|
Press Releases>
Webster man arrested for cyber-stalking and obscenity
Minden, La. --
Jul 20, 2009 --
JAMES ADKINS
Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators arrested a Minden man Thursday night following a week-long investigation into a case involving obscene photographs that were allegedly sent to a local woman via text messaging.
James Lee Adkins, 23, was called in for questioning when investigators completed a forensic search of the woman’s cell phone.
“The victim provided her cell phone to me for examination after she received unwanted nude photographs of a man,” explained Detective Sergeant Dustin Reynolds.
According to investigators Adkins, although he initially denied any such photographs were made or sent, ultimately admitted to the crime after he was shown evidence that his face was mistakenly captured in one of the photos through a reflection.
“It’s just never, ever a good idea to send indecent messages or photos,” said Reynolds. “Once it’s out there you can never get it back. Someone somewhere will always have a copy.”
During the interview Adkins kept referring to more recent activities which fit into a different time frame than case that was being investigated.
“He didn’t realize that he was telling us about another incident in which he sent nude photographs of himself to someone else,” Reynolds said.
Following the initial interview investigators explored further, looking into open cases involving similar situations. A recent Minden Police Department case caught their attention and after comparison of information it was determined that Adkins had committed both crimes.
“The same phone information was captured from a different complainant’s cellular device through a forensic search that our office had recently conducted for the Minden Police Department. It also involved nude photographs that were sent to a different young woman,” explained Reynolds.
Adkins was booked and charged with cyber stalking, telephone harassment and obscenity.
Friday morning, Detective Heath Balcom of the Minden Police Department joined Sheriff’s investigators to question the suspect once again; but this time on the separate case. Adkins admitted to officers that he had sent the inappropriate photos and text messages containing language of a sexual nature to the female without her consent or request.
Adkins was then arrested for an additional charge of obscenity following the interview.
“Based on Adkins’ statements to us, it’s likely that there are others who’ve received photos and/or messages from this guy,” concluded Reynolds.
Cyber-stalking involves the unsolicited transmission of indecent material to anyone via a technological device. While many “sexting” cases involve underage victims, this one is a reminder that even adults can get into trouble with sending sexually explicit texts.
The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department advises anyone who has received any unsolicited sexual material of any kind to contact investigators at 318-377-1515.
Webster Parish Sheriff's Department
Sheriff Gary S. Sexton
410 Main Street
P.O. Box 877
Minden, LA 71058
318-377-1515
admin@webstersheriff.org
|
