FBI seeks man in connection with investigation into sexual exploitation of children

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (WIBW) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is searching for an unidentified man in connection with an ongoing child sexual exploitation investigation.

According to FBI officials, they are asking the public for help in locating identifying information on an unidentified man who may have important information regarding the identity of a child who is the victim of an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Photos and an informational poster depicting the unidentified individual, known only as John Doe, 48, will be made available to the public and can be found online HERE.

FBI officials said the first video of the unidentified man, John Doe, 48, was first captured by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in December 2023. EXIF ​​data embedded in the video file showed the file was created in October 2023.

FBI officials said John Doe, 48, is described as a white male between the ages of 45 and 65 with dark hair and a gray beard. He has a tattoo on both forearms. He is seen in the back seat of a 2018-2019 Nissan NV Cargo Van wearing a blue t-shirt and dark-colored hat. He can be heard speaking English in the video.

FBI officials said anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online HERE or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded that no charges have been filed in this case and the person pictured is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

FBI officials indicated that this individual is wanted as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives. Operation Rescue Me uses clues from thorough image analysis to identify child victims depicted in child pornography material. ECAP, on the other hand, involves publicizing unknown adults, known as John/Jane Does, in national and international media, showing their face and/or other identifying features in connection with child pornography images.

FBI officials said since ECAP was launched, 48 unknown persons cases have been investigated, of which 35 have been successfully identified. These investigations have led to the identification of over 50 child victims. Information on locating current suspects can be found on the Endangered Child Alert Program’s Most Wanted webpage.

FBI officials noted that there was no concrete evidence to suggest the person resided in northeast Kansas.

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