Local child pornography case leads to nine children rescued in Philippines

Collaboration between local and federal agencies results in successful rescue operation 

A local investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) has culminated in a significant international operation, resulting in the arrest of five suspects in the Philippines and the rescue of nine children from a horrific situation.

The case began with two cyber tips reported by Facebook to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. As the investigation progressed, it became evident that the case had deeper ties to the Philippines, which prompted local authorities to collaborate with federal partners.

Kelly Jasperson, 63, Wyoming

"It was reported by Facebook to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and then once it was determined the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred, it’s transferred to the ICAC commander, which in this case was Chris McDonald,” explained Special Agent Joel Greene.

The investigative team, including Special Agents Dan Allison and Joel Greene from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations, worked closely with Lincoln County Attorney Spencer Allred. They conducted extensive searches and interviews, uncovering alarming evidence about Kelly Jasperson, 63.

During the investigation, forensic analysis revealed that Jasperson had been involved in paying thousands of dollars to women in the Philippines for the production of child pornography over an extended period of time. “Our forensic guy in Cheyenne, had Special Agent Daniel Brown process Jasperson’s Facebook accounts, and that’s when it was revealed that it was even deeper than we originally believed,” Special Agent Greene recounted. “Not only was he contacting these women from the Philippines, he was paying them for manufacturing child pornography in real time.”

As the investigation deepened, the team faced challenges due to jurisdictional limitations.

They reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), who had agents in the Philippines. “We sent them our entire case file in July 2024, and unbeknownst to us, they had been using the information to infiltrate that sex ring,” Special Agent Greene noted. The collaboration proved beneficial when HSI began using the information provided to infiltrate a child pornography ring.

“Some of those names correlated with the information from the cell phone that had been downloaded by Special Agent Brown,” Special Agent Allison explained. “He executed some additional search forms on Facebook, and we were able to collaborate an idea of the first names being utilized in the Philippines that may correspond with chats and financial transactions involving Mr. Jasperson.”

In late January, “we got an email saying, we’re getting ready to take this group down. Would you like to watch?” The night of the operation was intense. “I was on the phone and we were watching as the agents stormed the room,” Special Agent Greene said. The operation led to the arrest of five suspects including a mother, her sister, and husband and the rescue of nine children, ages 5 months to 16. “It was some of the most graphic material, especially knowing that it was actually live and taking place. It was a challenge,” Special Agent Greene admitted.

“Ultimately, a lot of children were saved, and some bad guys went to jail,” he noted. All of the children rescued were sent to the Tim Tebow Foundation, which aids in their recovery and rehabilitation.

The Philippine government is set to prosecute the suspects, with potential life sentences for those involved. Although more time was requested in the sentencing, Mr. Jasperson received a five to eight year sentence on one count and a four to eight year sentence on another after pleading guilty and being sentenced in December of 2024. Jasperson is currently being held in Torrington, at the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution.

No comment was provided by the press deadline by Jasperson’s Defense Attorney.

This was a big case that had a happy ending for those children who were being abused daily. Allred expressed immense pride in the collaborative effort, stating, “A case that started out in little Osmond, Wyoming, led to nine kids being rescued in the Philippines.”

The successful rescue operation highlights the crucial role of the ICAC and the collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies in combating child exploitation on an international scale. “We, as a team, discuss how hard this job can be on agents. It gets difficult to view some of these images, especially when you know there are kids’ lives involved,” ICAC Commander Chris noted. “But when you see nine kids get rescued, the only reason those kids were saved is because of Dan and Joel. It’s just unbelievable. It’s fantastic.”

As Attorney Allred put it, “Dan, Joel, and Chris, this ICAC team, these guys are the real heroes out here.” Their determination and collaboration have not only made a significant impact locally but have also resonated globally, bringing hope to children who desperately needed it.