March 6, 2001--
We've all heard about the dangers of sexual predators on the internet -- people who target children in chat rooms.
Now the U.S. Attorney calls the problem a growing danger for young Utahns.
News Specialist Stacey Butler has the story.
In the last six years, the number of arrests involving internet predators has risen steadily by about 10 percent.
But lately, Utah is seeing a sudden and dramatic increase.
So severe, the U.S. Attorney is asking parents for help.
When it comes to keeping your kids safe from sexual predators, times have changed.
Steve Tidwell/FBI Special Agent: "WE WERE ALL WARNED BY OUR PARENTS 'DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS WHEN YOU'RE OUT PLAYING.' NOW THIS GENERATION OF CHILDREN, THEY PLAY ON THE INTERNET."
In the last 13 months, local authorities have arrested a total of 44 sexual predators who allegedly posed as teenagers in chat rooms to lure Utah kids.
Ken Hansen/Attorney General's Office: "WE OFTEN WONDER, WE'RE CATCHING THIS ONE PERSON, HOW MANY OTHER KIDS HAS HE MET ON LINE?"
Brent Blackburn, a former Utah pediatrician, was arrested when police say he propositioned an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old boy for sex.
Taylorsville resident James Young was arrested after he allegedly met a 15-year-old boy through a chat room, then arranged a meeting and had sex with him.
Shane Peterson from West Jordan allegedly propositioned a teen in a chat room. He was arrested when he arranged a meeting with the teen, who turned out to be a police officer.
Thomas Pearl was arrested after arranging a meeting with what he thought was a 12-year-old Utah girl, who turned out to be a detective. Pearl travelled from out of state to meet his victim.
Authorities say an explosion in the number of cases is disturbing.
Steve Tidwell/F.B.I. Special Agent: "TRAVELER CASES WERE VERY UNUSUAL, MAYBE ONE A YEAR. BUT IN THE 13 MONTHS WE'VE HAD THIS EFFORT, WE'VE HAD 44 TRAVELER CASES."
The problem, authorities warn, isn't going away.
They're asking parents to be aware of what sites their kids are visiting on line.
And the Attorney General has a warning for pedophiles.
Mark Shurtleff/Utah Attorney General: "WE'RE GOING TO MAKE IT SO YOU EXCHANGE YOUR CHAT ROOM FOR AN 8 BY 10 CELL, AND YOUR ONLY BUDDY IS GOING TO BE A THREE HUNDRED POUND GUY WITH TATOOS WHO DOESN'T TAKE KINDLY TO CHILD PEDOPHILES."
If you're concerned your child may be at risk, there are signs to look for.
