Argos Detectives Honored with Highest Award from US Secret Service During Child Protection Week

Content warning: This article reports on an investigation into serious sexual crimes against children.

Two Argos members have received a United States Secret Service Director’s Award for their efforts in arresting a criminal in Ohio in October 2023 and rescuing two children aged two years and five weeks.

The Director’s Award is the highest honor of the U.S. Secret Service and is presented to individuals or agencies outside the U.S.

It is given only in circumstances where an organization or individual has provided extraordinary support to the Secret Service.

Argos first identified the offence in mid-October 2023, when officers identified a man on an encrypted online platform sharing child abuse material (CEM) showing the sexual abuse of a baby girl.

Research by Argos uncovered further CEM, including images of sexual abuse of a second girl.

The extent of the abuse was so horrific that medical evidence indicated one of the children would not survive her injuries if she was not found quickly.

For several days, law enforcement officials around the world worked tirelessly to identify the perpetrator and save the children from further harm.

On October 24, 2023, agents from the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at an address in Ohio. Both children were rescued and a 34-year-old man was arrested.

On May 17, 2024, he was sentenced by the U.S. District Court to 100 years in prison for his crimes.

Argos Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson said Argos works with law enforcement agencies around the world on a daily basis to tackle serious criminals operating across various online platforms.

“We are incredibly proud to have received this award from the US Secret Service, who continue to be a valued partner of the Queensland Police Service,” Detective Inspector Donaldson said.

“While the officers themselves are proud to receive such a prestigious award, identifying the victim children and rescuing them from harm’s way was the greatest reward these officers could receive.

“This arrest underlines QPS’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and bringing perpetrators of these disturbing crimes to justice, wherever they may be.

“Law enforcement continues to share intelligence on a daily basis and work together to identify those attempting to hide on platforms they believe keep them anonymous.

“Everything you do online leaves a trail and our investigators will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to identify and prosecute offenders.”

Every conversation we have about child safety matters. Whether it’s discussing online safety with a young person, reporting a concern or getting involved in community initiatives, every action contributes to a wider culture of protection and vigilance to ensure every child can feel safe.

As part of National Child Protection Week, QPS is calling on everyone to join these important conversations.

Find out more about Queensland Child Protection Week.

Resources and Advice

• Who’s Chatting to Your Kids? More QPS advice and information on reducing online risks for children.
• Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies aimed at creating a safer online environment.
• eSafety Commissioner is a key partner to the QPS in improving online safety. We provide a comprehensive suite of information, resources and reporting tools to ensure children have a safe online experience.
• Out of the Dark #doiknowu is a campaign by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC), supported by the QPS and the Department of Education, which provides resources to help young people stay safe online.
• Think U Know is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Commonwealth Bank, Datacom, Microsoft, State and Territory Police and Neighbourhood Watch. It provides information on topics including sexting, cyberbullying, online child exploitation, online privacy and what to do when something goes wrong.