Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Gerald Bailey today recognized members of the Florida Computer Crime Center (FC3) with the Superior Unit Medal for their exemplary investigative work and training in 2008.

“With the Internet playing such an integral part of lives, I am proud to have a team of experts that work tirelessly to protect our citizens against cyber crime,” Commissioner Bailey said. “These members work everything from complicated financial schemes to online solicitation cases, while providing critical training to law enforcement and the public.”

In 2008, FC3 worked 77 major investigations and made 17 arrests. This includes the arrest of an individual who traded more than 300 videos and images of child pornography online; a man who traveled from out of town to meet who he thought was a 14-year-old girl; and another individual who was soliciting a minor online for sex. The team’s investigative work also helped rescue two children from further molestation.

In addition, FC3 assisted more than 1,000 citizens with various complaints ranging from online harassment and threats to identity theft and fraud. FC3 members also provided Internet Crimes Against Children training to 30 state and local law enforcement agencies. The training teaches undercover officers how to conduct investigations in which an individual uses the Internet as a way to prey on children.

Last year, members of FC3 facilitated free cyber security training to more than 4,200 citizens around the state. The team also used a grant from the Department of Homeland Security to create Operation Weblock, a series of free two-day cyber incident response seminars aimed at creating a stronger cyber infrastructure throughout Florida.

The Superior Unit Medal is awarded to a team, task force, or work unit for exceptional meritorious performance. FC3 is the third FDLE team to receive the Commissioner’s Medal. The medal is part of the FDLE Commendation Medal Program which was established in 2007 to recognize members for acts of heroism, bravery, and exemplary accomplishment.

The FC3 team includes: Special Agent Supervisor Mike Phillips, Special Agent Shane Desguin, Special Agent Mike Duffey, Special Agent John McDonald, Special Agent Eric Daniel, Special Agent Chad Hoffman, Special Agent Mike Stephenson, Government Analyst II David Crain, Government Analyst II Mary McLaughlin, Government Analyst II Dan Leonard, Research & Training Specialist Dagmar Spencer, Government Analyst I Sherry Aldinger, Government Analyst I Carrie Starr, Systems Program Consultant Brett Cureton, Systems Program Consultant Clifford Stokes, and Government Analyst I Lee Pierce.



For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Perezluha or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001