Image Credit: Sheriff Jeff Coffey & internetsafety101.org
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal]-
Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey is on a mission to prevent crimes against children and to provide parents with valuable resources.
With internet technology and social media outpacing public knowledge, criminals sometimes hold the advantage over internet users, especially with social media platforms geared towards children that have GPS tracking capabilities.
Coffey is sending a stern warning to parents, advising them to closely watch the platforms on their children’s electronic devices and switch-off the locating functions of social media apps.
“Some parents are not aware of the tracking capabilities of certain social media platforms and the harm that could be done if predators locate their children. We are trying to educate parents and the general public on these issues and provide resources they can use to prevent internet crimes.” – said Jeff Coffey, Jefferson County Sheriff
One of the Forensic Investigators in the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) that is assigned to combat internet crime as part of the East Tennessee High Tech Task Force as well as the Tennessee Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has provided the following web links to help citizens and parents understand the issues and prevent predatory crimes.
Detective Sergeant Heather Sharpe is the point of the spear in the JCSO for preventing, and in some cases prosecuting, predatory internet crimes against children.
The above linked websites include information tabs on: Pornography, Sex Trafficking, Cyber Bullying, and Social Media. Each section provides additional links and resources for parents and citizens. Detective Sergeant Sharpe encourages parents to utilize the resources to help protect their children.
Human Trafficking is another focus of the JCSO. In the media release pictured below, a Dandridge man was arrested for alleged human trafficking with charges pending in Georgia.
Caption text from the above Media Release contains a warning to parents about the dangers of children using social media platforms without supervision.
“On Monday, October 6, 2025, Investigators were notified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation of suspect Vaughn Dewayne Scarbrough age 54 for having an active warrant out of Whitfield County for criminal attempt, human trafficking. Investigators made contact with Scarbrough at his residence at Meadow Wood Circle, Dandridge, and placed him in custody. A search of his person revealed a baggy and crystal-like substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. Scarborough is currently detained in the Jefferson County Detention Center awaiting extradition to Whitfield County, Georgia.
The Sheriff’s Office has released information about the dangers of human trafficking in the past and today we are reminding parents. Predators are using social media platforms to pursue victims, so it is imperative you understand the risk and educate yourself on social media platforms your children are using and by understanding the risks. You should be monitoring what platforms they are using and researching their capabilities. Some platforms reveal the location of the user which would allow a predator to know your child’s location by tracking the device they are using. So parents if you have questions or concerns about social media platforms contact the Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency for guidance and information.” – Media Release JCSO
The Tennessee Conservative News will provide additional resources for parents to prevent internet crimes against children as they become available.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Kids with “smart” phones is TROUBLE, “parents” are FAILURES!!