Two Korean Americans have been arrested in separate child sex crime cases involving online exploitation, including one who worked as a police officer.
Engineer Caught in Georgia Sting Operation
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Shin Jung-Mok (33), an engineer based in Phenix City, Alabama, was among 19 suspects arrested on March 30 during a child sex trafficking sting.
The suspects allegedly engaged in explicit sexual conversations with minors online and traveled to meet them with the intent of committing sexual acts or engaging in prostitution.
The GBI stated, “Online child predators use social media, messaging apps, and internet websites to find minors. They distribute sexual content, seek to meet children for sexual activity, and as a result, both boys and girls become targets of these predators.”
Authorities released photos, occupations, and home addresses of those arrested. The suspects ranged in age from 21 to 68 and came from various racial backgrounds. Shin Jung-Mok was identified as an engineer.
Korean American Police Officer Charged with Child Pornography
In a separate case, Joshua Min Kwon (40), a Korean American police officer with the Hokes Bluff Police Department in Alabama, was arrested on March 24 on charges of distributing child pornography, according to ABC News and other media outlets.
Investigators identified Kwon as a suspect by tracing IP addresses, access logs, digital devices, and witness statements. A search warrant was issued, and authorities carried out the arrest operation.
Officials allege that Kwon repeatedly uploaded and distributed pornographic material involving minors online.
Nick Welden, sheriff of DeKalb County, said, “It is extremely unfortunate when we have to investigate and arrest a member of law enforcement. But anyone who breaks the law will be held fully accountable.”
The Hokes Bluff Police Department placed Kwon on administrative leave, and he is currently being held at DeKalb County Jail.
The investigation began when a detective with the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tracked the suspect’s online account. The operation also involved the DeKalb County Special Response Team, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
