LUBBOCK, Texas – Child sexual abuse cases continue to appear frequently in Lubbock’s arrest reports, but investigators say the volume reflects proactive work, not necessarily a higher rate than other cities.
Detective Jeff Buschman, with Lubbock Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Division, said the visibility of these cases comes in part from prosecutors taking on some of the “most heinous crimes” and securing significant sentences in recent years.
“They’ve done a great job of prosecuting them lately and getting pretty great sentences,” Buschman said.
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While Buschman said he does not have national comparison data, he did say that child exploitation is increasing across the country. National organizations that track child abuse and online exploitation, he said, have reported rising trends nationwide.
“I think this is a big problem that is starting to come to the forefront right now,” he said. “We’re trying to play catch up.”
Buschman said hands-on abuse cases typically involve someone the child already knows. Online cases more often involve strangers who pose as teens or peers to gain a child’s trust.
When it comes to investigations, Buschman said one of the biggest challenges is obtaining digital evidence from platforms where conversations or photos were shared.
“One of the most difficult things is trying to preserve and get the information,” he said.
Anonymous reporting can also slow down investigations, Buschman said. Knowing who made a report and how they learned about potential abuse often helps officers determine whether a child is in immediate danger.
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“Please come forward and help us know who you are,” Buschman said. “Otherwise, we have to come to this almost blind.”
Despite the challenges, Buschman said the department is committed to protecting children in Lubbock and holding offenders accountable.
“I hope we look back and go, ‘Our city was determined to do everything we can to protect the kids, and to put the bad guys in jail,’” he said.