Authorities are on the hunt to identify potential victims in a disturbing online child exploitation scheme. The suspect, identified as John Douglas Burch from the Santa Monica, California area, faces federal charges for allegedly preying on minors across several states including Pennsylvania and North Carolina, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Burch is currently accused of using a slew of online platforms such as KIK and Snapchat to facilitate his illicit activities from as early as 2014. The defendant's digital footprint spans across popular social media including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as less mainstream sites like Fetlife and Seeking Arrangements. According to a press release from the United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero and the FBI, Burch utilized usernames that might be recognized by potential victims, including “Burch” and “Mstr_trainer” among others.
The scope of Burch’s alleged exploitation effort is vast, with his online activities stretching over a ten-year period. Officials are urging anyone with information to step forward. “If you, your family member, or anyone that you know has had contact with this individual or any of the usernames above and would like to report a crime, please contact the FBI,” stated the U.S. Attorney's office.
Individuals with potentially vital information are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected] or via an online questionnaire provided by the authorities. As the investigation widens, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and that the accused perp is considered innocent until proven guilty.
