The Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Section at the Lowell Post received a NCMEC CyberTip of an individual that was possessing and sharing images of child pornography. During the investigation, detectives determined that the suspect had been using the social media platform of Kik to obtain and share the images.
A thorough investigation showed that the images were being sent from an individual in Gary. The suspect was determined to be Thomas Prendergast, 32, from Gary, IN. Prendergast was taken into custody this morning by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Warrant Division. Prendergast was arrested on warrants for Child Exploitation- Level 5 Felony and Possession of Child Pornography- Level 6 Felony.
The Indiana State Police will continue to relentlessly investigate and pursue these child exploitation crimes and crimes against children. The Indiana ICAC Task Force encourages Hoosiers to report online exploitation, solicitation, and enticement-type crimes against children to NCMEC. The NCMEC website can be accessed through the ICAC Task Force website. NCMEC is a private, non-profit organization providing services nationwide to families and law enforcement officials relating to the prevention of abduction and sexual exploitation of children.
To report a crime with your child as a victim involving the internet or other electronic means, please contact your local Indiana law enforcement agency. ICAC Taskforce website: https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/
All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.