JPD: Stop sharing viral child abuse video

JONESBORO - A viral video depicting the sexual abuse of a child has caught the attention of the Jonesboro Police Department and they are warning residents to stop sharing the post, even if it is shared with good intentions.

Sgt. Cassie Brandon told The Sun the department was made aware of the video over the weekend.

"People are sharing it with us and others, mostly in an attempt to identify the child or others involved to get the child help," Brandon said.

Despite the good intent behind the deed, this action is considered distributing, possessing and viewing child pornography.

"It is illegal to view, possess, or share child pornography which is the reason we are telling people to stop sharing it," Brandon said. "Us and other law enforcement agencies are aware of its existence, and are trying to get the child identified. We do not need it sent to us anymore, and we definitely do not need people sharing it amongst themselves, even in an attempt to identify the child."

According to Jonesboro Police Department statement issued on Facebook, sharing child pornography, even with good intent, is considered a felony and can be prosecuted. Possessing it in Facebook messenger or elsewhere on a computer is also a felony offense. The department is urging all who might have received the video to immediately delete the message it was in and not share it with anyone.

"We appreciate all of those who are concerned and want to see this child rescued from this situation. We want the same and are working to make that happen," JPD said in their Facebook post.

Brandon said the department isn't sure if this video even took place in Craighead County, or even in Arkansas.

"We have detectives aware of it and working on it, but I believe it is being shared in other states as well," Brandon told The Sun.

Multiple new organizations across the country have reported the same situation JPD has encountered, with law enforcement agencies from Chicago to Tampa Bay issuing the same warning to their residents.

According to Fox 13 in Salt Lake City, Utah, FBI officials and federal prosecutors are investigating the case. The new organization stated on its website, Fox13now.com, that there have been multiple reports of a suspect being arrested in connection with this case.