Google Turns in Man with Child Porn
- By Matt Holden
- Aug 05, 2014
Google has played their part in cybersecurity according to a story after turning in a man from Pasadena for having photos of children saved in his Gmail account. John Skillern, the man charged, was convicted of sexually assaulting a child 20 years ago and has been caught again. Google alerted the Houston Metro Internet Crimes against Children Task Force when Skillern used his Google account to email a friend three explicit pictures of a young girl.
“He was trying to get around getting caught” said David Nettles of the HMICCTF. “He was trying to keep it inside his email. I would never be able to find that.”
Because Google sent them the tip, investigators were able to obtain a warrant, which led them to find child porn on Skillern’s tablet and cellphone. They also discovered texts and emails about his sexual interest in children.
Another disturbing detail from the story is the fact that police found videos of children in a Denny’s restaurant, where he was a cook.
Google would not comment on their technology, but this shows the cybersecurity capabilities of the company. Police and parents have said they are grateful.
About the Author
Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.