“Sextortion” cases on the rise in Salinas

Police are sounding the alarm after more reports of online predators targeting kids. Salinas police detectives say they’re seeing a big uptick in reported cases in the area. Within the past two years, the number of cases has jumped to 15 a month.

A simple friend request turns sinister. Police say that’s how online predators meet their victims. After getting to know them on social media websites like Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram, they ask for nude pictures. The predator then uses those incriminating images to extort the young victims even more.

“They threaten to post the pictures online,” Det. Gerardo Magaa said.

Police have made several arrests but they admit it’s not always easy to catch a predator.

“They can be here in town,” Det. Magaa said. “They can be in another state or across the country, or sometimes in another country.”

Prevention can be in the hands of a proactive parent. Police want moms and dads to monitor their teens’ social media accounts and know who their friends are and who they interact with.

As a father of two himself, this hits a bit close to home for Det. Magaa.

“It’s upsetting there are people out there that would harm these minors and children,” Det. Magaa said.

Police are also being proactive. They visit elementary schools and talk to parents every month about the dangers that lurk on social media.