'Sextortion' crimes against teens on the rise in North Carolina
Prior to his release in Winston-Salem, police said 19-year-old Karen Kayden Island (sorry, Kayden Allen) was last seen more than a week ago. He was a passenger in a car that officers tried to pull over last Friday. Investigators found the car in Cary, Grant Park, and authorities stressed that Kayden has not been charged with any crimes. We've spoken with his family, and they say they are heartbroken and think he's just hiding out. They are hosting a prayer vigil in Cary tomorrow night at 6:30 and are inviting anyone to attend. The Guilford County Sheriff's Office is asking for help in the search for a man who has been missing for months. David Mobley, 49, was last seen in February or March. He is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 115 pounds. Authorities have not released any further details about his disappearance. An event was held in Greensboro focused on keeping gun violence out of the neighborhood. A peace-oriented violence prevention encouragement event was held at Barber Park in Greensboro. Leaders connected with the people they serve through food, music, entertainment and community art projects. Officials also highlighted the efforts being made in the city to address issues surrounding violence and how to solve them. Gun violence is destroying the nation in general, so what we want them to take away from here is education and resources. But at the same time, we want people to know that we are fighting this on the front lines. And we need more people to be unconditionally engaged to reduce this because the future seems bleak at times. But if we lead the way and help on the front lines and get more people involved, we can win this fight. But we have to work together. Last night's event was held in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and Atrium Health are teaming up to distribute free gun locks later today. The distribution will take place from 9am to 1pm this morning at the Downtown Health Plaza on MLK Jr. Drive. In addition to gun locks, safety items such as life jackets and helmets will also be distributed. Guilford County educators and staff are rallying against the proposed budget. The group marched to the County Commission meeting last night. They are asking for $304 million for the district, but the county budget calls for 266 million teachers. School parents and some school committee members spoke out for more funding to go to education. I think the message was clear that Guilford schools need Guilford support. We are asking for the County Commission to act. We also know that the situation is serious. This is due to a lack of funding at the state level. This was just a public hearing, so no action was taken. There will be more discussion at the June 28 Commission meeting. The Guilford County budget must be approved by July 1, and for this summer, Winston-Salem-Forsyth County Schools will be providing meals for children on weekdays starting June 17. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at more than 20 schools through July 31. The Alamance Burlington School System will also begin its meal program on the same day, but for a slightly longer period, through August 9. Davie County Schools will also provide free meals to children 18 and under from June 18 to August 16. No meals will be provided on July 4th and 5th. Locations are listed on our website, Winston-Salem State University has received more than $1 million in federal funding. This will be paid over five years and will provide tuition assistance to educators who will be undergoing specialized training in early childhood education programs. One professor said this will allow the university to build a comprehensive training program to prepare future teachers so they can make a greater impact on the lives of children with disabilities. As the school year comes to an end, Guilford County will recognize outstanding students who have gone above and beyond expectations. Our school's Lindsay Klein was on hand to hear the school district superintendent congratulate the five graduating students on their achievements. It's been a learning journey for me, and I'm grateful. Guilford County has been the best support I have ever had. The class of 2024 will soon be graduating, and this year, Guilford County Schools graduates have earned a total of $181,086,594 in scholarships. Many will be leaving their hometowns, but we hope they will come back to Guilford County and make plans. On Thursday, five seniors who were outstanding students while attending Guilford County Schools were recognized. Our school principal recommended us as the best students in our school, our role models. There are obviously a lot of other students they could have chosen, so I am honored that they chose me. Sofia Mahmood plans to attend Guilford College to study forensic biology. It's a bit of a coming-of-age moment, but I'm excited for the future. Paul Evans Robinson, who will be graduating from Eastern Guilford High School, plans to attend North Carolina State University to major in architecture and minor in sports management. He says Guilford County Schools has prepared him for a great future. Since middle school.They provided me with the best mentors, the best peers, the best teachers and staff.
'Sextortion' crimes against teens on the rise in North Carolina
The FBI is investigating an increase in “sextortion” crimes against teenage boys in North Carolina. Sextortion occurs when an adult poses as a teenage boy to manipulate or entice a victim into creating and sharing sexually explicit images, then extorts the victim for photos or money. Click on the video player above to see the latest headlines from WXII 12 News. TOP STORIESCharlotte stingray not pregnant, North Carolina aquarium temporarily closedI-40 West in Forsyth County reopens after accident, National Guard announcesNorth Carolina mother faces murder charges in death of 18-month-old baby, Moore County sheriff announcesClick here for the latest news stories you may be interested inAccording to officials with the FBI field office in North Carolina, teenage boys are becoming more of the victims of the crime. According to the FBI, children caught in this cycle often feel embarrassed, scared and confused, which is why they do not seek help or report the abuse. In North Carolina, the FBI said sextortion cases increased 600% between 2021 and 2022. For more on this story, visit our news partner WRAL. WATCH: NOWCAST STREAMING NEWSCAST NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | Your Favorite News | Trending Stories Download the WXII app here to stay up to date with the latest news and weather.
The FBI is investigating a rise in “sex blackmail” crimes against teenage boys in North Carolina.
Sextortion is when an adult poses as a teenager to manipulate or entice victims into creating and sharing sexually explicit images, then blackmails them for the photos or money.
Click on the video player above to see the latest headlines from WXII 12 News.
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A representative from the FBI field office in North Carolina said teenage boys are increasingly being victims of this crime.
According to the FBI, children caught in this cycle often feel embarrassed, scared and confused, making it difficult for them to seek help or report the abuse.
The FBI announced that sextortion cases in North Carolina increased by 600% between 2021 and 2022.
For more on this story, check out our news partner WRAL.
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