OCPD warns of online dangers following online sex abuse case involving local minor

OCEAN CITY, Md. – As winter break approaches, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is reminding parents and caregivers of the dangers children face with social media and online chat applications.

OCPD and the Worcester County State Attorney’s Office just successfully closed an investigation regarding inappropriate sexual conversations that took place between a juvenile located in Ocean City, Maryland, and an adult in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

24-yeare-old Wyatt Andrew Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of publishing/distributing obscene material on November 27, 2023. He was 20 years old at the time of the crime. OCPD began investigating Johnson in June 2020 when Child Protective Services referred the case.

“We were able to charge the suspect, who was 20 years old at the time, with multiple criminal charges, including soliciting child porn, obscene or publishing and distributing obscene materials,” said OCPD Detective Chris Rench.

Det. Rench tells 47ABC that while the suspect communicated with the teen using a host of apps, he made his initial approach through the video game forum app Discord. It’s a place where people connect based on shared communities for fandoms, things like video games, anime; anything that teens are passionate about. However, police say it’s the direct message function that allowed a stranger to maintain contact and initiate a sexual relationship with that 14-year-old in Ocean City.

OCPD Spokesperson Ashley Miller says they are hoping to raise awareness for parents and teens on how to safely navigate these spaces.

“Are they asking for your name, where do you live, how old are you, any of your user information stuff that you want really normally put out there on a gaming platform?” Miller said.

Warning signs for parents to watch out for include if online chats appear to be missing parts of the conversation, or are happening in the late hours; steps the suspect directed the victim to take in this case to keep the relationship secret from parents and law enforcement.

“A big red flag in this was not only having these private, increasingly private conversations within their room, but also leaving the unit to have these phone calls and conversations which were unusual for juveniles of younger age,” Det. Rench said, adding “Encouraging keeping that privacy away from family members and trusted adults is definitely a red flag.”

The National Children’s Advocacy Center provides the following internet safety tips for kids and teens:

1. Spend time having fun with your parents online and helping them understand technology!
2. Never post your personal information, such as a cell phone number, home number, home address, or your location, on any social networking site or through mobile apps like Snapchat or Instagram.
3. Never meet in person with anyone you first “met” on the internet. If someone asks to meet you, tell your parents or guardian right away. Some people may not be who they say they are.
4. Check with your parents before you post pictures of yourself or others online. Do not post inappropriate pictures of anyone.
5. Never respond to mean or rude texts, messages, and emails. Delete any unwanted messages. You may need to delete friends who continuously bother you or post things that are not appropriate.
6. NEVER share your password with anyone, including your best friend. The only people who should know your password are your parents or guardian.
7. If you wouldn’t say something to another person’s face, don’t text it or post it online.
8. Do not download or install software or anything on your computer or cell phone before checking with your parents or guardian.
9. Use the privacy settings of social networking sites.
10. Talk with your parents or guardian immediately if anything makes you feel uncomfortable online, while gaming, or using your cell phone.

If you are aware of the sending, use, or viewing of child pornography online, you can contact the Ocean City Police Department or call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678 or go online to their CyberTipline. They’ll ensure the info is forwarded to law enforcement officials for investigation.

Watch for warning signs of a child being targeted by an online predator. These can include:

1. Spending long hours online, especially at night
2. Phone calls from people you don’t know
3. Unsolicited gifts arriving in the mail
4. Your child suddenly turns off the computer or other device when you walk into the room.
5. Withdrawal from family life and reluctance to discuss online activities.