"We are seeing more and more children exploited, both online and in person, by various people," said Kevin Abar, assistant special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations.
While he can't comment on Dewent's case, Abar warned parents that any young girl or boy could fall into the same trap.
"The people out there trying to exploit our children. They're very good at what they do," Abar said. He's offering the following tips for parents:
-- Ask your child who their friends are on the Internet
-- Monitor the websites they're visiting
-- Keep the computer in a common area, such as a kitchen or living room
Abar said predators can use other online venues, such as XBox and Playstation, to chat live with children. "Often time, they'll portray themselves as a young adult, and gain the trust of a child," Abar said. The search for Dewent and Butler involves Albuquerque police, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
All agencies are working to piece together the victim's Internet history in hopes of locating her and protecting teens like her in the future. More
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