SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. — Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter has requested the Wichita Police Department (WPD) launch a criminal investigation into a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SGSO) detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) section within the Exploited and Missing Children's Unit (EMCU). A review revealed improper case closures and a failure to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints from 2019 to 2024, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.
In late December 2024, SGSO initiated an administrative review of the cases managed by the detective after identifying potential issues. Upon determining that criminal conduct may have occurred, SGSO notified WPD and activated the Wichita and Sedgwick County Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) to conduct a criminal investigation.
The EMCU, a collaborative effort between the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office, Wichita Police, and Kansas Department for Children and Families, investigates serious crimes against children.
The detective, who was assigned to EMCU in 2019 and transferred to ICAC in 2021, is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal review.
EMCU investigators will re-contact individuals involved in these cases. These trauma-informed and trained professionals will ensure each case undergoes a thorough review. All involved cases will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.
Given the sensitive and ongoing nature of this investigation, the sheriff's office released no additional details to protect the integrity of the process and the privacy of survivors.
The Sheriff’s Office notified the Office of the District Attorney immediately, when the information came to light. Since that time, the DA's office assisted first, the Sheriff’s Office and more recently, the Wichita Police Department with the gathering of information necessary to conduct an exhaustive investigation, according to a statement from the DA's office.
When that investigation is complete, a full review of the matter will be conducted by the Office of The District Attorney in order to ensure appropriate disclosures are made and potential criminal charges are considered and addressed.