New Law Allows OSBI To Proactively Seek Out Child Predators

During the early part of this week, members of the Oklahoma Internet Crimes against Children Task force served eight search warrants within the state.

It is all thanks in part to a new law that went into effect Nov. 1 that gives Oklahoma Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force members the authority to investigate the possible exploitation of children, and giving task force members statewide jurisdiction to do so.

"We are able to proactively go after people now," said Steve Tanner, the Agent In Charge of OICAC. "Before [the new law] we were just reacting to complaints that were called in or sent in to us. Now we are out there looking for you!"

12/19/2012 Related Story: OKC Man Arrested On Multiple Count Of Child Pornography

In just the past 24 hours, three men have been arrested, accused of possessing child porn. The OSBI arrested 22-year-old Gerarado Carreon on Thursday. He stands accused of possessing and possibly distributing child porn.

Stephen Jackson was arrested at his home in OKC on Wednesday. On scene previews of the computer items in his home revealed pornographic images of at least two local children. And what's worse is authorities say there could be more.

"We have received dozens of phone calls, some from people claiming to have been molested by Jackson, and knowing others who had been too," said Tanner.

A Hefner Middle School band teacher was also arrested Wednesday and is out on bond Thursday.

12/19/2012 Related Story: Putnam City Band Teacher Arrested For Child Pornography

Eric Mowery, 38, was arrested after the Oklahoma Internet Crimes against children task force reportedly intercepted child porn images from his computer. He is accused of possessing and distributing child porn.

Mowery had worked for the Putnam City school district since 2010 and had contact with students at both the middle school and the high school. On Thursday News 9 talked with Mowery's attorney.

"I can tell you that Mr. Mowery was devastated by these charges," said Ed Blau, the attorney hired to represent Mowery. "There has been absolutely no indication, accusation, or anything of that nature involving a student involving any young person in the community. Absolutely not."

Mowery, Jackson and Carreon were just three  of a dozen people arrested across the state the past two weeks. It was part of a proactive effort  by the Internet Crimes Against Children task force to crackdown on those exploiting children.