ICE agents arrest suspected child predator in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested a Columbus, Ohio, man Wednesday for attempting to sexually engage a minor.

Kevin Weiner, 42, was arrested March 23 and charged in a criminal complaint with attempting to sexually coerce and entice a minor by computer. The complaint alleges that Weiner placed a craigslist ad entitled "Older looking to suck younger." Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) officers responded to the ad and scheduled a face-to-face meeting with Weiner. ICE HSI task force officers, subsequently met Weiner at the agreed-upon location, where he admitted his efforts to engage a minor sexually. The complaint details Weiner's graphic account of his intent with the minor.

A late January search warrant executed at Weiner's home revealed child pornography depicting prepubescent boys on his home computer. Subsequent interviews with Weiner revealed his past involvement with other minor victims. ICE HSI agents have confirmed this finding with at least two of his alleged victims.

"All children have an absolute right to grow up free from the fear of sexual abuse and exploitation, and especially from those they trust," said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Detroit. "Sadly, today's technology in the hands of a predator with access to children has put our children at greater risk than ever before. Despite the odds, HSI special agents and our ICAC partners protect our kids and we bring their abusers to justice."

This investigation was also a part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders, and child sex traffickers.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.