Federal investigators are asking families in Tampa Bay and several other cities to come forward after a Texas man was accused in a nationwide child-exploitation case that allegedly moved through social media. The search for additional victims includes Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando, putting Florida communities at the center of a case that began in Texas.
Joseph Dalton Bowman, 32, of Nashville, Texas, was indicted on charges of coercion of a minor, production of child sexual abuse material and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, who ordered him detained, according to WFLA.
Investigators Name Tampa, Lakeland And Orlando
Homeland Security Investigations' Dallas Child Exploitation Group and the Frisco Police Department believe Bowman may have contacted additional minors, investigators said. The alleged social-media account identified in the case was “Snapwithdalton,” and the inquiry spans a list of cities that also includes Dallas and Frisco.
The case illustrates why online exploitation investigations can quickly become multi-state operations. The Justice Department's Project Safe Childhood coordinates federal, state and local resources to locate victims and prosecute people accused of exploiting children online.
How To Share Information With Investigators
In the notice described by WFLA, investigators asked anyone who suspects their child met Bowman or communicated with the account to call 1-877-447-4847 or submit information through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline. The request is intended to help authorities determine whether more minors were contacted.
The U.S. attorney's office said Bowman could face life in federal prison if convicted. The charges remain allegations, however, and an indictment is not a finding of guilt; Bowman is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the case in court.
Digital Evidence Could Keep Expanding The Case
Investigators may continue reviewing online accounts, communications and other digital evidence as the federal case moves forward. No additional victims were publicly identified in the notice, but the appeal for information suggests authorities are still trying to determine the full scope of the alleged conduct.
