ICAC Investigator of the Year Speaks about Digital Exploitation Prevention for Youth

Digital abuse cases are alarmingly prevalent in Wisconsin. This is evidenced by the fact that the WI ICAC Task Force received 1,003 CyberTips from NCMEC in March 2025 alone. Last year, Detective Chaz Walton with the ECPD (Eau Claire Police Department) Sensitive Crimes division, worked on over 40 internet crime cases and is currently investigating 18 new cases in the Eau Claire area.  Chaz, who was also the recipient of this year's ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Investigator of the Year, shares with us about his work with cases of s*xtortion, child p*rnography and other forms of digital exploitation.  He also talks about what he hopes to see happen through the work he is engaged with and encourages parents and caregivers to take a proactive approach with their kids by using free tools and training though ICAC (icactaskforce.org) and by connecting with local law enforcement.