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NATIONAL CENTER FOR )11s..~INC. 1~l[IJIJ()I'll~l) ---l...-~CHI LOREN

Child Molesters: A Behavioral Analysis For law-Enforcement Officers Investigating Cases of Child Sexual Exploitation

In cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - provides training assistance to law-enforcement and child protection agencies to develop effective procedures to investigate and prosecute cases of missing and exploited children - assists individuals, groups, agencies, and state and local governments involved in inves­ tigating and prosecuting cases of criminally or sexually exploited children - provides information and advice on effective state legislation to assure the safety and protection of children - provides prevention and education programs for parents, schools, action groups, agencies, communities, volunteer organizations, law enforcement, and local, state, and federal institutions - distributes comprehensive instruction packages to aid cOIumunities in protecting children - organizes networks of information among school systems, school boards, parent-teacher organizations, and community organizations about proven techniques for implementing educational programs - conducts an outreach program to alert families, communities, the criminal justice system, and concerned organizations about the nature and extent ot child victimization and exploitation - ensures coordination among parents, missing children groups, and the media to distribute photos and descriptions of missing children - coordinates the exchange of information regarding child exploitation The Center is a primary resource for assistance and expertise in all these areas:

Improving the Education Criminal Justice System

Advocacy Prevention

Public Awareness Legislation

Toll-free Hotline The Center maintains a toll-free telephone number for those individuals who have information that could lead to the location and recovery of a missing child. Because these calls can literally be a matter of life or death, we ask that the Hotline number be used by those individuals who have this critical information. If you know the location of a missing child, please call this number: 1-800-843-5678 Information Please The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers a national clearinghouse that collects, compiles, exchanges, and disseminates information. Anyone who is seeking infor­ mation or who wishes to contribute information about the problem should write to the following address: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1835 K Street, N.W., Suite 700 Washington, D.C. 20006 },/ ·'1 Child olesters: A Behavioral Analysis For law-Enforc~ment Officers Investigating Cases of Child Sexual Exploitation J. .

February 1986

Kenneth V. Lanning Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Science Unit Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Academy Quantico, Virginia

U.s. Department of Justice Nationalillstilute of Justice This document has been reproduced exactly as received from the National Center for r person or organization originating it. Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those of lhe authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the National Institute of Justice.

Permission to re~ roduce this cop.yfiglated material has been granted by Public Domain!NIJ!OJJ9P us Department of JUstlce to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS).

FUrther reproduction outside 01 the NCJRS system requires permis­ sion 01 the cOfl¥!'ighl owner. Other publications available from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

Investigator's Guide to Missing Child Cases (for law-enforcement) Parental Kidnapping (prevention and what to do if your child is abducted) Direct01Y oj Support Services and Resources jor Missing a1ld Exploited Children (a state-by-state listing) Selected State Legislation (state laws to protect children) Child Protection (safety tips) Just in Case . .. Your Child Is Missing (brochure) Just ill Case. . . Your Child Is a Victim oj Sexual Abuse or Exploitation (brochure) Just in Case . .. Your Child Is a Runaway (brochure) Informational brochure

Prepared under Cooperative Agreement #86-MC-CX-K003 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Assistance, Research, and Statis­ tics, U.S. Department of Justice.

Points of view or opinions in this book are those of the NCMEC and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

A version of this book will be published in Practical Aspects (!( Rape IllvestigatiO/l: A Multi·Disciplil/uryApprouch. edited by Robert R. Hazelwood and Ann W. Burgess (New York; Elsevier, 1986). /

Contents

.-..f,i'oreword v 1. Definitions of Terms 1 Child Molesters 1 P~dophiles 1 Important Distinctions for Law-Enforcement 2 Fixated and Regressed Molesters 3 2. A Law-Enforcement Typology 5 Needs of Law-Enforcement 5 Kinds of Child Molesters 5 Situational Child Molesters 5 Preferential Child Molesters 7 The Role of Law-Enforcement 7 3. The Law-Enforcement Investigation 9 Sex Rings 9 Incest Cases 9 Female Offenders 10 Adolescent Offenders 10 4. Identifying Pedophiles 11 The Preferential Child Molester (Pedophile) 11 5. Collection of Child Pornography and Erotica 17 Child Pornography 17 Child Erotica 18 Motivation for Collection 20 Use of Collection 20 Characteristics of Collection 21 The Role of Law-Enforcement 22 6. After Identification 25 The Pedophile's Defenses 25 7. Investigative Difficulties 29 The Ideal Victim 29 Isolation of Affect 30 What Constitutes Sexual Activity? 30 Societal Attitudes 31 Afterword 33 Bibliography 3S Additional Reading 37 Appendix 39,41 Foreword

Much valuable law-enforcement training work Even though the EMCU was reputed to be is being done by the FBI Academy and Na­ the national model of investigations in sexually tional Academy, the Federal Law-Enforce­ exploited children by the end of the third year ment Training Center, and the National Cen­ of work, such was only to demonstrate an ef­ ter for Missing and Exploited Children. In fective "ambulance service at the base of the fact, the National Center alone trained over cliffs." A new approach was needed. As a pro­ 8,000 officers in 32 states in 1985. Nonetheless, active effort for the early intervention into this there is still a critical need in law-enforcement cycle of sexual exploitation, the EMCU team for information and pUblications on specific began handling all missing child cases in Jef­ investigative topics. In the last year, the Na­ ferson County, Kentucky, in January 1983. tional Center for Missing and Exploited Chil­ Now the EMCU began to "build fences at the dren published and distributed free of charge top of the cliffs." over 65,000 copies of two such publications: The data developed on the first 830 missing Parental Kidnapping and the Investigator's children indicated that approximately 10% of Guide to Missing Child Cases. the missing child population was exploited Now, a prime mission will be to extend the while missing. Data further indicated that up facilities of the National Center to the law-en­ to 85% of these commercially exploited chil­ forcement practitioner community for the pur­ dren were missing at the time of the exploita­ pose of publishing short books or monographs tion offense. on sexually exploited children or pedophiles­ The EMCU handling of missing child cases particularly as these subject,,; relate to the miss­ functioned as an early warning system for cases ing child phenomenon. Our aim is to merge needing child protective services, counseling, various Department of Justice initiatives for or law-enforcement services-all of which are proactive marketing in order to expand the vital for the successful detection, investigation, practical effect of all our efforts. arrest, and prosecution of adults in child sex­ ual exploitation. The link between missing and sexually ex­ ploited children is a strong one. For example, Information gained through interviews, al­ from July 1980 through February 1984, the po­ ways both investigatory and therapeutic, kept lice/social work team of the LouisvillelJeffer­ team members very much aware of street activ­ son County Exploited and Missing Child Unit ity, identified havens for missing youth, and al­ (EMCU) in Kentucky investigated approxi­ lowed team members to "burn bridges" to haz­ mately 1,400 cases of children suspected of be­ ardous environments and endangering adults ing victims of sexual exploitation. A full 54% before the child could become sexually ex­ (756) of the children were found to be victims ploited. New investigatory techniques and and an additional 31 % (434) of the children methodologies were developed and refined were considered probable victims. During this with an absolute ethic (and policy) that youth time period the EMCU prosecuted hundreds were never to be used in any endangering ca­ of adults for various crimes involving the sex­ pacity nor allowed to volunteer to do so to fur­ ual exploitation of children. Over 40 major ther investigation. This background experi­ cases resulted in the successful prosecution of ence clearly indicated that the status itself of adults involved with over 12 children each. being missing (runaway, homeless, abducted,

v etc.) is a very large window for entrance into dren must be protected. While psychiatric la­ child sexual exploitation. bels fall far short of being useful to the investi­ Furthermore, the cycle of violence (see" Ap­ gator, Mr. Lanning's typology offers a con­ pendix," page 39) now appears as beginning struct for investigators that provides insight with child abuse within the family and extend­ and guidance in practicing child protection­ ing to missing child episodes that present the not just labeling it for treatment. The ability to arena for exploitation of the child. With matu­ understand and recognize the behavior of child ration, the adult-abused as a child-becomes molesters before their arrest or identification is the abuser or exploiter. While there has been a prime weapon for the investigator handling activity in social services research and analysis cases of sexual abuse or exploitation. If investi­ of the nature and effects of child victims of sex­ gators can better understand how and why mo­ ual exploitation, law-enforcement has been lesters have sex with children, child protection found wanting for reliable information on the officials are in a much better position to detect, nature of the behavior and emotional patterns identify, arrest, convict, and obtain sentencing of child ntOlesters to assist in their detection that truly deters these horrid crimes. Such and apprehension. should also lead to another prime motive for law-enforcement-proving a case without ne­ Any criminal behavior that appears consis­ cessitating the use of children for testimony in tently and universally must be recognized as the court itself. having high predictive and preventative value for law-enforcement and child protective ser­ Mr. Lanning has provided us with an excel­ vices. Of critical importance is the complexity lent and useful treatment of the nature of child of the dynamics, typology, and investigative molesters as unique individuals with highly handling of child molesters-a label not al­ specific and observable criminal behavior. Not ways synonymous with pedophile. Supervisory all child molesters are the same. Stereotypes Special Agent Kenneth V. Lanning of the Be­ must be avoided. Mr. Lanning has provided us havioral Science Unit at the FBI Academy has the framework for an acute understanding and provided formative research and analysis of recognition of ~he behavioral patterns that this topic and, most important, tailored the should enable investigators to function at a approach to be of extreme practical impor­ much higher level of professionalism. tance to law-enforcement investigators. Law··enforcement is charged with the detec­ John B. Rabun, Jr., ACSW tion and observation of acts and behaviors that Deputy Director, are violations of the law for which the child Technical Assistance molester can be charged and from which chil- NCMEC

vi 1. Definitions of Terms

Child Molesters made as to whether the child victims are pre­ pubescent or pubescent, known or unknown, The term child molester is a fairly common one related or unrelated to the offender. Finally, used by professionals and nonprofessionals no distinctions will be made based on the type alike, including law-enforcement officers. Al­ of sexual activity engaged in by the offender. though Webster's New World DictiollGlY de­ Although such distinctions may have impor­ fines molest as "annoy, interfere with, or med­ tant legal and evaluation significance, they dle with so as to trouble or harm," when have no bearing on whether or not an individ­ combined with the word child, it has generally ual is labeled a child molester. For law-en­ come to convey sexual abuse of some type. forcement purposes, a child molester is simply In spite of its common usage, it is surprising an individual who engages in illegal sexual ac­ how many different images and variations of tivity with children. meanings the term child molester has for dif­ ferent individuals. For many, it brings to mind Pedophiles the image of the dirty old man in a wrinkled raincoat hanging around a school playground Although the use of the term child molester is with a bag of candy, waiting to lure little chil­ commonplace, recent pUblicity and awareness dren. For others, the child molester is a stran­ concerning sexual abuse of children has re­ ger to his victim and not a father having sex sulted in the frequent use of the term pedo­ with his daughter. For some, the child mo­ phile. At one time this term was almost exclu­ lester is one who exposes himself to or fondles sively used by psychologists and psychiatrists. children without engaging in vaginal or anal Dr. Groth's categorization defines a child mo­ intercourse. Still others believe the child mo­ lester as having a sexual attraction toward pre­ lester is a nonviolent offender. Dr. A. Nicholas pubertal children (pedophilia) or sexual at­ Groth, one of the leading experts on sexual vic­ traction toward pubertal chiJdren (hebe­ timization of children, differentiates between philia). The term hebephile is rarely used to­ nonviolent child molesters who coax or pres­ day, however, and the media now routinely re­ sure the child into sexual activity and violent fer to those who sexually abuse children as child rapists who overpower or threaten to pedophiles. This term is also being used more harm their victims (see "Bibliography"). For and more by law-enforcement personnel. It law-enforcement officers, the term child mo­ has even entered their slang usage-with some lester is more likely to conform to a legal defi­ officers talking about investigating a "pedo nition of sexual molestation set fOl'th in the pe­ case" or being assigned to a "pedo squad." nal code. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of For the purposes of this book, a child mo­ Mental Disorders (DSM III) of the American lester will be defined as a significantly older in­ Psychiatric Association defines pedophilia as dividual who engages in any type of sexual ac­ "the act or fantasy of engaging in sexual activ­ tivity with individuals legally defined as ity with pre-pubertal children as a repeatedly chHdl'en. When using the term child molester, preferred 01' exclusive method of achieving sex­ no distinctions will be made between male or ual excitement" (see "Bibliography"). There female, single or repeat offenders, or violent or are several criteria in this definition that must nonviolent offenders. No distinctions will be be emphasized. First, it mentions both the act

1 and the fantasy of engaging in sexual activity. Important Distinctions for Second, it refers to this sexual activity as oc­ Law-Enforcement curring with pre-pubertal children. Third, it states that 1;his activity is the preferred or ex­ What, then, is the difference between a child clusive method of achieving sexual excitement. molester and a pedophile? For many the terms In DSM III pedophilia is classified as a have become synonymous. The media fre­ paraphilia, one of the psychosexual disorders. quently makes no distinctions and uses the Technically, pedophilia is a psychiatric diag­ terms interchangeably. The labeling of all nosis that can only be made by qualified psy­ child molesters as pedophiles is, however, con­ chologists or psychiatrists. Therefore, the word fusing. There are clear differences between the pedophile is a diagnostic term, not a legal one. types of individuals who sexually abuse chil­ Its increasing use has, however, to some de­ dren, and law-enforcement officers handling gree bro1lght this term outside the exclusive these cases need to make such Olstinctions. purview of psychiatric diagnosis. Just as some­ Are all pedophiles child molesters? No. A one will refer to another as being "paranoid" child molester is an individual who sexually without implying a psychiatric diagnosis or as­ molests children. A person might have a sexual suming psychiatric expertise, a social worker, preference for children and might fantasize prosecutor, or law-enforcement officer will re­ about having sex with them. That person is a fer to an individual who has sexually victimized pedophile. But if he does not act it out, then he a child as a pedophile. Webster's New Colle­ is not a child molester. Some pedophiles might giate Dictionmy contains a good layman's defi­ act out their fantasies in legal ways by engag­ nition for pedophilia: "sexual perversion in ing in sexual activity with adults who look which children are the preferred sexual ob­ (small stature, flat chested, no body hair) or ject." For the purposes of this book, a pedo­ act (immature, baby talk) like children. Oth­ phile will be defined as a significantly older in­ ers may act out child fantasy games with adult dividual who prefers to have sex with individ­ prostitutes. It is almost impossible to estimate uals legally considered children. The pedo­ how many pedophiles exist who have never mo­ phile is one whose sexual fantasies and erotic lested a child. What society can or should do imagery focus on children. with regard to such individuals is an interest­ It is important to realize that to refer to ing area for discussion but something beyond someone as a pedophile is to say only that the the role of law-enforcement. People cannot be individual has a sexual preference for children. arrested for their fantasies. It says little or nothing about the other aspects Are all child molesters pedophiles? No. A of his character and personality. To assume pedophile is an individual who prefers to have that someone is not a pedophile simply because sex with children. A person who prefers to have he is nice, goes to church, works hard, is kind sex with an adult partner may, for any number to animals, and so on, is absurd. Pedophiles of reasons, decide to have sex with a child. run t:le full spectrum from saints to monsters. Such reasons might include simple availabil­ In spite of this fact, over and over again pedo­ ity, curiosity, or a desire to hurt a loved one of philes are believed, not charged, or acquitted the molested child. The sexual fantasies of simply because they are "nice guys." such individuals do not necessarily focus on It is also important to recognize that, while children, and these people are not pedophiles. pedophiles prefer to have sex with children, Many child molesters are, in fact, pedo­ they can and do have sex with adults. For some philes, and many pedophiles are child mo­ pedophiles adult sexual relationships are more lesters. But they are not necessarily one and difficult than for others. Some pedophiles have the same. The law-enforcement officer might sex with adults as part of their efforts to gain or argue that it is his job to arrest individuals who continue their access to preferred children. For violate the law and that whether or not that of­ example, one might have occasional sex with a fender is a pedophile is of no importance to single mother to insure continued access to her him. Distinctions between the types of child children. (See also "Additional Reading. ") molesters, however, can have important and

2 valuable implications for the law-enforcement Dr. Groth, who classifies sexual offenders investigation of child sexual abuse. against children into two groups on the basis of This book will set forth a model for law-en­ whether this involvement constitutes a persist­ forcement that divides child molesters into two ent pattern (a fixation) or a new activity or broad categories and several patterns of behav­ change (a regression) in their sexual orienta­ ior. These categories are not intended for use tions or lifestyles. Dr. Groth further explains by mental health professionals or clinicians. that the Fixated Child Molester is one "whose They are intended to assist law-enforcement primary sexual orientation is towards chil­ officers in developing the evidence needed to dren," and the Regressed Child Molester is identify, arrest, and convict child molesters. If one "whose sexual involvement with a child is a the investigating officer already has ~nough ev­ clear departure, under stress, from a primary idence to convict a child molester, then it may sexual orientation towards agemates." In es­ be of little importance whether the molester is sence, Dr. Groth's Fixated Child Molester pre­ a pedophile or not. But if the investigator is fers children for sexual partners and identifies still attempting to develop incriminating evi­ closely with them. The Regressed Child Mo­ dence, such distinctions can be invaluable. lester prefers agemates for sexual partners but, because of some precipitating stress in his life, he substitutes a child for the troubled adult re­ Fixated and Regressed Molesters lationship (see "Bibliography"). Probably the most commonly used typology for child molesters today is the one developed by

3 2. A Law-Enforcement Typology

Too often the terms child molester and pedo­ One way to avoid child victim testimony is to phile are used to mean the same thing. In fact, avail yourself of other evidence that might help not all child molesters are pedophiles, and prove the case. Frequently there is more evi­ there is a clear need for a law-enforcement ty­ dence available than many investigators real­ pology to clear up the confusion. Law-enforce­ ize. Much of this evidence can only be identi­ ment has frequently accepted offender catego­ fied and located if the investigator has a better ries and characteristics developed by therapists understanding of offender behavior patterns and criminologists. These typologies, however, and the kinds of child molesters. better serve the needs of mental health profes­ sionals and have limited application to law-en­ forcement needs. These typologies are usually Kinds of Child Molesters developed from data collected from offenders after arrest or conviction and often reflect un­ For investigative purposes, Dr. Park Elliot substantiated information about pre-arrest be­ Dietz divides individuals who sexually molest havior. It is the pre-arrest or pre-identification children into two broad categories: situational behavior of child molesters that is of most and preferential (see "Bibliography"). This is value to law-enforcement. of great practical use to law-enforcement. The purpose of this typology is not to gain insight or understanding about why child molesters Needs of Law-Enforcement have sex with children in order to help or treat them, but to recognize and evaluate how child Child sexual abuse cases can be difficult to molesters have sex with child1'en in order to prove. Frequently it is only the word of a child identify, atrest, and convict them. What evi­ against that of an adult. Many factors combine dence to look for, whether there are additional to make it difficult and possibly traumatic for victims, how to interview a suspect, and so on, children to testify in court. In spite of some re­ depend on what type of child molester you are cent advances that make it easier for the child dealing with. victim or witness, an important objective of every investigation of child sexual abuse should be to prove the case without resorting to Situational Child Molesters the courtroom testimony of the child. The child victim should be carefully inter­ The Situational Child Molester does not have a viewed. The information obtained should be true sexual preference for children, but en­ evaluated and assessed, and appropriate inves­ gages in sex with children for varied and some­ tigative action should be taken. The investiga­ times complex reasons. For such a child mo­ tor, however, should proceed as if he had infor­ lester, sexuality with children may range from mation about a crime from a reliable source a "once in a lifetime" act to a long-term pat­ whose identity cannot be revealed. He knows tern of behavior. The Situational Child Mo­ what happened, and now he must prove it lester usually has fewer numbers of different without the testimony of the child. This may child victims. Other vulnerable individuals, not always be possible, but it should be the in­ such as the elderly, sick, or the disabled, may vestigative goal. Many children can testify in also be at a risk of sexual victimization by him court if necessary. 01' her. For example, the Situational Child Mo-

5 - Pr®©eding pag~ blan~ lester who sexually abuses children in a day­ While he may have clearly defined paraphilic care center might leave that job and begin to 01' sexual preferences-bondage 01' sadomaso­ sexually abuse elderly people in a nursing chism, etc.-however, he has no real sexual home. It is the author's undocumented opin­ preference for children. His basic motivation is ion that Situational Child Molesters are larger sexual experimentation, and he has sex with in number and increasing faster than Preferen­ children out of boredom. His main criteria for tial Child Molesters. Within this category at such children are that they are new and differ­ least four major patterns of behavior emerge ent, and he involves children in previously ex­ (see also Table 1 on page 8). isting sexual activity. Again, it is important to realize that these children may be his own. Regressed Such an offender usually has low Such an individual may also provide his chil­ self-esteem and poor coping skills, who turns dren to other adults as part of group sex, a to children as a sexual substitute for the pre­ spouse-swapping activity, or even as part of ferred peer sex partner. His main victim crite­ some bizarre ritual. Of all Situational Child rion seems to be availability, which is why Molesters, he is by far the most likely to collect many of these offenders molest their own chil­ pornography. Child pornography will only be a dren. His principal method of operation is to small portion of his potentially large and var­ coerce the child into having sex. This type of ied collection, however. Situational Child Molester may 01' may not col­ lect child or adult pornography. Inadequate This pattern of behavior is also difficult to define and includes those suffering Morally Indiscriminate In the author's experi­ from psychoses, eccentric personality disor­ ence, this is a growing category of child mo­ ders, mental retardation, and senility. In lay­ lesters. For this individual, the sexual abuse of man's terms he is the social misfit, the with­ children is simply part of a general pattern of drawn, the unusual. He might be the shy abuse in his life. He is a user and abuser of teenager who has no friends of his own age or people. He abuses his wife, friends, coworkers. the eccentric loner who still lives with his par­ He lies, cheats, 01' steals whenever he thinks he ents. Although most such individuals are can get away with it. He molests children for a harmless, some can be child molesters and, in simple reason: "Why not?" His primary victim a few cases, even child killers. This offender criteria are vulnerability and opportunity. He seems to' become sexually involved with chil­ has the urge, a child is there, and so he acts. dren out of insecurity or curiosity. He finds He typically uses force, lures, or manipulation children to be nonthreatening objects with to obtain his victims. Although his victims fre­ whom he can explore his sexual fantasies. Of­ quently are strangers or acquaintances, it is ten his sexual activity with children is the result important for the investigator to realize that of built-up impulses. Some of these individuals his victims can also be the offender's own chil­ find it difficult to express anger ana hostility, dren. The incestuous father or mother might which then builds until it explodes-possibly be the morally indiscriminate offender. He fre­ against their child victim. Because of mental or quently collects detective magazines 01' adult emotional problems, some might take out their pornography of a sadomasochistic nature. He frustration in cruel sexual torture. His victims, may collect some child pornography, especially however, could be among the elderly as well as that which depicts pubescent children. children-anyone who appears helpless at first Sexually Indiscriminate This pattern of be­ sight. He might collect pornography, but it will havior is the most difficult to define. Although most likely be of adults. the previously described morally indiscrimi­ Almost any child molester is capable of vio­ nate offender often is a sexual experimenter, lence or even murder to avoid identification. In this individual differs in that he appears to be spite of a few notable exceptions, however­ discriminating in his behavior except when it Theodore Frank in California and Gary Ar­ comes to sex. He is the "try-sexual" -willing thur Bishop in Utah-most of the sexually mo­ to try anything sexual. Much of his behavior is tivated child murders profiled and assessed by similar to the Preferential Child Molester. the FBI Behavioral Science Unit have involved

6 ~~------.------

Situational Child Molesters, especially the Introverted This pattern of behavior describes morally indiscriminate and inadequate pat­ the offender who has a preference for children terns of behavior. Sadistic and morally indis­ but lacks the interpersonal skills necessary to criminate Preferential Molesters (pedophiles) seduce them. Therefore, he typically engages who kill will be discussed later in this chapter. in a minimal amount of verbal communication with his victims and usually molests strangers or very young children. He is like the old stere­ Preferential Child Molesters otype of the child molester in that he is more likely to hang around playgrounds and other The Preferential Child Molesters have a defi­ areas where children congregate, watching nite sexual preference for children. Their sex­ them or engaging them in brief sexual encoun­ ual fantasies and erotic imagery focus on chil­ ters. He may expose himself to children or dren. They have sex with children not because make obscene phone calls to children. He may of some situational stress or insecurity but be­ utilize the services of a child prostitute. Unable cause they are sexually attracted to and prefer to figure out any other way to gain access to a children. They can possess a wide variety of child, he might even marry a woman and have character traits but engage in highly predicta­ his own children, very likely molesting them ble sexual behavior. Although they may be from the time they are infants. He is similar to smaller in number than the Situational Child the inadequate Situational Child Molester, ex­ Molesters, they have the potential to molest cept that he has a definite sexual preference for large numbers of victims. For many of them, children and his selection of children only is their problem is not only the nature of their sex more predictable. drive (attraction to children) but also the quan­ tity (need for frequent and repeated sex with Sadistic This pattern of behavior describes tht: children). Within this category at least three offender who has a sexual preference for chil­ major patterns of behavior emerge (see also dren but who, in order to be aroused or grati­ Table 2 on page 8). fied, must inflict pain or suffering on the child victim. They typically use lures or force to gain Seduction This pattern describes the offender access to their victims. They are more likely who engages children in sexual activity by "se­ than other Preferential Child Molesters to ab­ ducing" them-courting them with attention, duct and even murder their victims. There affection, and gifts. Just as one adult courts have been some cases where seduction mo­ another, the pedophile seduces children over a lesters have become sadistic molesters. It is not period of time by gradually lowering their sex­ known whether the sadistic needs developed ual inhibitions. Frequently his victims arrive at late or were always the1'e and surfaced for some the point where they are willing to trade sex for reason. In any case, it is fortunate that sadistic the attention, affection, and other benefits child molesters do not appear to be large in they receive from the offender. Many of these numbe1'. offenders are simultaneously involved with multiple victims, operating what has come to The Role of Law-Enforcement be called a child sex ring. This may include a group of children in the same class at school, In our typology the term Preferential Child in the same scout troop, or in the same neigh­ Molester is synonymous with the pedophile borhood. The characteristic that seems to who sexually molests or exploits children. make this individual a master seducer of chil­ Since there are federal, state, and local laws dren is his ability to identify with them. He that deal with such crimes as the possession knows how to talk to children-but, more im­ and distribution of child pornography, law-en­ portant, he knows how to listen to them. His forcement officers will sometimes be involved adult status and authO:<';l:y is also an important in the investigation of pedophiles and others part of the seduction process. In addition, he who have not technically molested children but frequently selects as targets childl'en who are who have sexually exploited them. Therefore, victims of emotional or physical neglect. pedophiles who do not actually sexually molest

7 children might become of investigative interest ferent than the circulation of sexually explicit to local or federal law-enforcement. Any indi­ pictures taken by a rapist of his victim during vidual, however, who collects or distributes the rape. Such collectors and distributors of child pornography actually perpetuates the child pornography are, in essence, child mo­ sexual abuse of the child portrayed. It is no dif- lesters. (See also "Appendix," page 41.)

Table 1 Situational Child Molester

Morally Sexually Regressed Inadequate Indiscriminate Indiscriminate

Basic Poor User of Sexual Social Characteristics copi ng skills people experimentation misfit

Insecurity Motivation Substitution Why not? Boredom and curiosity

Victim Vulnerability New and Non- Availability Criteria and opportunity differe,nt threatening

Method of Lure, force, Involve in Exploits size, Coercion Operation or manipulation existing activity advantage

Pornography Sadomasochistic; Highly likely; Possible Likely Collectioll detective magazines varied nature '---

Table 2 Preferential Child Molester

Sedllctioll Introverted Sadistic

COlli 111011 I. Sexual preference for children Characteristics 2. Collects child pornography or erotica ;

Fear of Need to Motivatioll Idcntification communication inflict pain

Victim Age and gender Strangers Age and gender Criteria preferences or vcry young preferences

Met/lOci of Seduction Non-verbal Lu re or force Operatio/l process sexual contact

8 3D The Law-Enforcement Investigation

In applying any typology, the law-enforcement any other combination of the previously dis­ officer must recognize the difficulty of at­ cussed types of molesters. A satanic cult in­ tempting to put complex human behavior into volved in sexually abusing children might in­ neat categories. There will always be excep­ clude morally indiscriminate, sexually tions and difficulties. The law-enforcement ty­ indiscriminate, inadequate, and sadistic pat­ pology described in the previous chapter in­ terns of behavior. The behavior of the individ­ volves two broad categories of child molesters uals involved must be carefully evaluated in or­ (Situational and Preferential) and seven subca­ der to develop appropriate investigative and tegories of patterns of behavior. These pat­ interview strategies. terns of behavior are not necessarily mutually An important applicatic:n of this typology is exclusive. the simple recogflition that not all child mo­ For example, a Preferential Child Molester lesters are the same. Not all child molesters are (pedophile) might have other psychosexual dis­ pedophiles. Not all child molesters are passive, orders, personality disorders, or psychoses 01' non aggressive people. Child molesters look may be involved in other types of criminal ac­ like everyone else and are motivated by a wide tivity. There are cases in which pedophiles are variety of influences. There is no single investi­ also psychopathic con artists, paranoid sur­ gative or interview technique to deal with all of vivalists, or even serial killers. One particularly them. difficult offender to deal with is the morally in­ discriminate Preferential Child Molester. If an offender has a sexual preference for children Incest Cases and at the same time has no conscience, there is no limit on how he might sexually victimize It has become commonly accepted that inces­ children. Such an offender is likely to abduct tuous fathers are typically regressed child mo­ or murder children. While his preferential sex­ lesters who molest only their own children, do ual interest in children affects his victim selec­ not collect child pornography, and who are tion, however, most of his behavior is deter­ best dealt with in noncriminal treatment pro­ mined by a stunning lack of conscience. He is grams. There are cases, however, in which the best viewed as a morally indiscriminate of­ incestuous father appears to be a seducer or in­ fender and should be investigated and inter­ troverted Preferential Child Molester (pedo­ viewed as such. phile) who married simply to gain access to children. In many cases, he has molested chil­ dren outside the marriage or children in pre­ Sex Rings vious marriages. When investigating cases involving multiple Such individuals frequently look for women offenders, such as daycare center abuses or who already have children who meet their age other kinds of sex rings, the investigator must and gender preferences. Their marriages usu­ recognize that the subjects involved could in­ ally last only as long as there are children in the clude different kinds of molester types. The victim preference range. In today's more lib­ staff at a daycare center where children are be­ eral society, such an offender frequently no ing molested might include a seduction mo­ longer marries the woman, but simply moves lester, morally indiscriminate molesters, or in with her and her children. On some occa-

9 sions, they merely befriend the mother and do Many people believe that sex between an not even pretend romantic interest in her but older woman and an adolescent boy is not mo­ only express a desire to be a "father figure" for lestation but a "rite of passage." Furthermore, her children. Another technique is to marry a sexual activity between women and young chil­ woman and adopt cpildren or take in foster dren is difficult to identify. Females are the children. The last a'.ld least desirable strate­ primary caretakers in our society and can gem he uses is to have his own children-the dress, bathe, change, examine, and touch chil­ least desirable method because it requires the dren with little suspicion. offender to have sex with his wife and because Many of the recent cases invulving sexual there are few guarantees that the baby will be abuse in daycare centers invo!':c female offend­ of the preferred sex. ers. There are many cases in which females ac­ In order to engage in sexual relations with tively participate in the sexual abuse of chil­ his wife, the pedophile must create a fantasy. dren with an adult male accomplice. It is rare To aid in this fantasy some pedophiles have to find a case, however, in which a female of­ their wives dress, talk, or behave like children. fender fits the dynamics of the Preferential After the birth of a baby of the preferred sex, Child Molester. This is a new area that needs such pedophiles may terminate or greatly re­ additional research and study. duce sexual relations with their wives. Of course, these facts are difficult for the police investigator to learn. Most wives or even ex­ Adolescent Offenders wives would be embarrassed to admit these Another area that has recently received in­ sexual problems. creased attention involves adolescent offend­ Other incestuous fathers are morally indis­ ers. In past years, adolescent child molesters criminate individuals whose sexual abuse of were usually dismissed with "boys will be children is only a small part of their problem. boys" or "he's just going through a stage." Ad­ They are cunning, manipulative individuals olescent child molesters can fit into either who can convincingly deny the allegations broad category and any of the patterns of be­ against them or, if the evidence is overwhelm­ havior described in this book. Frighteningly, ing, claim they need "help with their prob­ though, many of the cases seen by the author lem." Their personality disorder is more seri­ involving adolescent child molesters seem to fit ous than even pedophilia and probably more the morally indiscriminate pattern of behavior. difficult to treat. These adolescent offenders must be carefully evaluated for proper intervention and treat­ ment whenever possible. Female Offenders In addition, adolescent sex offenders should Where do female child molesters fit into this always be viewed as past or current victims of typology? The answer is unknown at this time. sexual abuse. Recognizing and then investigat­ The author is not aware of a sufficient number ing this victimization can lead to the identifica­ of cases involving female offenders to include tion of additional offenders and victims. The them in this typology; however, it is thought sexual abuse of younger children by an older that the sexual abuse of children by females is child should always be viewed as an indicator far more prevalent than most people believe. that the older child was sexually abused.

10 40 Identifying Pedophiles

Sexual exploitation is used to describe the sex­ ity of the remaining ones can be assumed. ual victimization of children, involving child Most of these indicators mean little by them­ pornography, child sex rings, and child prosti­ selves. As they are identified and accumulated tution. While offenders utilizing the services of through investigation, however, they can con­ a child prostitute may be either Situational or stitute reason to believe a certain offender is a Preferential Child Molesters, those involved in Preferential Child Molester. You do not have child pornography and child sex rings are pre­ proof beyond a reasonable doubt, but you may dominately Preferential Child Molesters. And, have probable cause. although a variety of individuals sexually abuse children, Preferential Child Molesters, or pedophiles, are the primary sexual ex­ The Preferential Child Molester ploiters of children. (For the purpose of our (Pedophile) law-enforcement typology, pedophile is used interchangeably with Preferential Child Mo­ The four major characteristics of the Preferen­ lester.) tial Child Molester (pedophile) are 1) long­ term and persistent pattern of behavior, 2) An important step in investigating the diffi­ children as preferred sexual objects, 3) well­ cult cases of child victimization is to recognize developed techniques in obtaining victims, and and identify the highly predictable sexual be­ 4) sexual fantasies focusing on children. These havior patterns of Preferential Child Mo­ characteristics, together with the listed indica­ lesters, or pedophiles. First, it is essential that tors, will assist the investigator in identifying the law-enforcement investigator attempt to the Preferential Child Molester and collecting determine if an offender is a Situational or the evidence necessary to arrest and convict Preferential Child Molester. him. At the outset, it must be stated and em­ There are most likely more Situational than phasized that the indicators alone mean little. Preferential Child Molesters. Each Situational Their significance and weight comes as they Child Molester, however, is likely to abuse only are accumulated and come to form a pattern of a small number of children in a lifetime. A behavior. If the investigator determines the ex­ Preferential Child Molester might molest ten, istence of enough of these indicators, there is fifty, hundreds, or even a thousand children in probable cause to believe the individual is a a lifetime. And, although pedophiles vary Preferential offender. greatly, their sexual behavior is repetitive and 1. Long-Term and Persistent Pattern of highly predictable. Knowledge of these sexual Behavior behavioral patterns or characteristics is ex­ Sexual abuse in background Although most tremely valuable to the law-enforcement inves­ victims of child sexual abuse do not become tigator. offenders, research indicates that most of­ These highly predictable and repetitive be­ fenders are former victims. It is well worth havior patterns make cases involving Preferen­ the investigator's time and effort to deter­ tial Child Molesters far easier to investigate mine if a suspect had ever been the victim of than those involving Situational Child Mo­ sexual abuse and what was the nature of the lesters. If enough of these characteristics can abuse (age it occurred, relationship with of­ be identified through investigation, the major- fender, acts performed j etc.).

11 Limited social contact as teenagers The fort should be made to identify the multiple pedophile's sexual preference for children victims. If you know of only one victim, but usually begins in early adolescence. There­ have reason to believe the offender is a fore, during his teenage years he may have pedophile, then begin looking for the other exhibited little sexual interest in people his victims. For instance, if a teacher who is a own age. But, as with several of these indi­ suspected pedophile molests one child in cators, that fact alone means little. his class, the chances are high that he has Premature separation from militmy If an molested or attempted to molest other chil­ individual was dishonorably discharged for dren in the class as well as children in all the molesting children, there is not much doubt other classes he has taught. This is also true about the case. It is far more common, of incest offenders suspected of being Pref­ though, that the individual was prema­ erential Child Molesters. turely separated from the military and no Planned, repeated, or high-risk attempts specific reason was given or is available. Bold and repeated attempts to obtain chil­ Frequent and unexpected moves When they dren that have been carried out in a cun­ are identified, pedophiles are frequently ning and skillful manner is a strong indica­ "asked" to leave town by someone in au­ tion that the offender is a pedophile. thority, by the parent of one of the victims, 2. Children as Preferred Sexual Objects or by an employer. This was, and still is, a Over 25, single, never married By itself, this common way to deal with the problem. The indicator means nothing. It has signifi­ result is that pedophiles frequently show a pattern of living in one place for several cance only when combined with several other indicators. Because they have a sex­ years with a good job and then suddenly ual preference for children, pedophiles usu­ and for no apparent reason moving and ally have some degree of difficulty in per­ changing jobs. Chances are the investigator forming sexually with adults. Therefore, will find no official record of what hap­ they typically do not marry. Some pedo­ pened. The pedophile will usually have an explanation for the move, but it probably philes, though, do enter into marriage for specific reasons, and these will be discussed will not reflect the true circumstances. below. Prior arrests In some cases, pedophiles have previously been arrested for child mo­ Lives alone or with parents This indicator is lestation or sexual abuse. Certainly, such closely related to the above. Again, by it­ an arrest record is a major indicator, partic­ self, it has little meaning. The fact that a ularly if the arrest goes back many years or man lives alone does not mean he is a pedo­ is repeated. Investigators must also be alert phile. The fact that an individual who pos­ to the fact that pedophiles may have arrest sesses many of the other traits discussed records for actions that do not appear to in­ here and also lives alone might be signifi­ volve sexual abuse. These might include cant. impersonating a police officer, writing bad Limited dating relationships if not married checks, violating child labor laws, or other A man who lives alone, has never been mar­ violations that may indicate a need to check ried, and who does not date should arouse further. The investigator should attempt to suspicion if he possesses other characteris­ get copies of the reports concerning the ar­ tics discussed here. rests in order to evaluate their significance If married, "special" relationship with properly. spouse When they do marry, pedophiles of­ Multiple victims If investigation reveals ten marry either a strong, domineering that an individual molested many different woman or a weak, passive woman-child. In victims, that is a very strong indicator that any case, they will marry a woman who does the offender is a pedophile. More impor­ not have high sexual expectations or needs. tant, if other factors indicate that the of­ A woman married to a pedophile may not fender is a pedophile, then a concerted ef- realize that her husband is a pedophile but

12 she does know he has a "problem" -a sex­ either boys or girls exclusively. The prefer­ ual performance problem. Because she may ence age bracket for the child can also vary. blame herself for this problem and because One pedophile might prefer boys 8 to 10, of the private nature of people's sex lives, while another ::light prefer boys 6 to 12. Pu­ most wives will usually not reveal this infor­ berty seems to be an important dividing line mation to an investigator. However, a wife, for many pedophiles. This is only an age ex-wife, or girlfriend should always be con­ and gender preference and not an exclusive sidered as a possible source of information limitation. Any individual expressing a concerning the sexual preferences of an of­ strong desire to care for or adopt only a fender. Pedophiles sometimes marry for child of a very specific sex and age (other convenience or cover. Pedophiles marrying than infant) should be viewed with suspi­ to gain access to children is discussed be­ cion. low. Refers to children as "clean, .. "pure, .. "in­ Excessive interest in children How much in­ nocent," "impish," etc., or as objects terest is excessive? This is a difficult q ues­ Pedophiles sometimes have an idealistic tion. The old adage "If it sounds too good view of children that is expressed in their to be true, maybe it is" may apply;here. If language and writing. Others sometimes re­ someone's interest in children seems too fer to children as if they were objects, proj­ good to be true, maybe it is. This is not ects, or possessions. "This kid has low mile­ proof that someone is a pedophile, but it is age" and "I've been working on this project a reason to be suspicious. It becomes more for six months" are typical comments. significant when this excessive interest is 3. Well-Developed Techniques ill Obtaining combined with other indicators discussed Victims here. Associates and circle offriends are young In Skilled at identifying vulnerable victims addition to sexual activity, pedophiles fre­ Some pedophiles can watch a group of chil­ quently socialize with children. They ma~T dren for a brief period of time and then se­ hang around schoolyards, arcades, shop­ lect a potential target. More often than not, ping centers-any place that children fre­ the selected child turns out to be from a quent. Their "friends" may be male, fe­ broken home or the victim of emotional or male, or both sexes, very young or physical neglect. This skill is developed teenagers, all depending on the age and through practice and experience. gender preferences of the pedophile. Identifies with children (better than with Limited peer relationships Because they adults) Pedophiles have the ability to iden­ cannot share the most important part of tify with children better than they do with their life (their sexual interest in children) adults-a trait that makes most pedophiles with most adults, pedophiles may have a master seducers of children. They espe­ limited number of close adult friends. Only cially know how to listen to children. Many other pedophiles will validate their sexual pedophiles are described as "pied pipers" behavior. If a suspected pedophile has a who attract children. close adult friend, the possibility that the Access to children This is one of the most friend is also a pedophile must be consid­ important indicators of a pedophile. The ered. pedophile will surely have a method of gain­ Age and gender preference Most pedo­ ing acce~s to children. Other than simply philes prefer children of a certain sex in a hanging around places children congre­ certain age range. The older the age prefer­ gate, pedophiles sometimes marry women ence of the pedophile, the more exclusive simply to gain access to children. Pedo­ the gender preference. Pedophiles attracted philes are frequently the "nice guys" in the to toddlers are more likely to molest boys neighborhood who like to entertain the chil­ and girls indiscriminately. A pedophile at­ dren after school or take them on day or tracted to teenagers is more likely to prefer weekend trips. Also, a pedophile may seek

13 employment where he will be in contact seduction techniques, competition, peer with children (teacher, camp counselor, ba­ pressure, child and group psychology, mo­ bysitter, school bus driver) or where he can tivation techniques, threats, and black­ eventually specialize in dealing with chil­ mail. The pedophile must continuously re­ dren (physician, dentist, minister, photog­ cruit children into and move children out of rapher, social worker, police (Jfficer). The the ring without his activity being disclosed. pedophile may also become a scout leader, Part of the manipulation process is lower­ Big Brother, foster parent, little league ing the inhibitions of the children. A skilled coach, and so on. The pedophile may oper­ pedophile who can get children into a situa­ ate a business that hires adolescents. In one tion where they must change clothing or case known to the author, a pedophile mar­ stay with him overnight will almost always ried, had a daughter, and he molested her. sue '1 in seducing them. Not all pedo­ He was the "nice guy" in the neighborhood pk possess these skills. The introverted who had the neighborhood girls over to his Preferential Child Molester is an example house for parties, and he molested them. of a pedophile who typicaIly lacks these He was a coach for a girl's softball team, abilities. and he molested them. He was a dentist Has hobbies and interests appealing to chil­ who specialized in child patients, and he dren This is another indicator that must be molested them. considered for evaluation only in connec­ Activities with children. often excluding tion with other indicators. Pedophiles other adults The pedophile is always trying might collect toy<; or dolls, build model to get children in situations where there are planes or boats, or perform as clowns or no other adults present. On a boy scout magicians to attract children. A pedophile hike he might suggest the fathers go into interested in older children might have a town for a beer. He will "sacrifice" and stay "hobby" involving alcohol, drugs, or por­ behind with the boys. nography. Seduces with attention. affectioll. and gifts Shows sexually explicit material to children This is the most common technique used by Any adult who shows sexuaIly explicit ma­ pedophiles. They literally seduce the chil­ terial to children of any age should be dren by befriending them, talking to them, viewed with suspicion. This is generally listening to them, paying attention to them, part of the seduction process in order to spending time with them, and buying gifts lower inhibitions. A pedophile might also for them. If you understand the courtship encourage or allow children to call a dial-a­ process, it should not be difficult to under­ porn service as part of this process. stand why some child victims develop posi­ 4. Sexual Fantasies Focusing on Children tive feelings for the offender. Many people can understand why an incest victim might Youth-oriented decorations in house or not report his or her father, but they cannot room Pedophiles attracted to teenage boys understand why a victim not related to the might have their homes decorated the way a offender does not immediately report mo­ teenage boy would. This might include lestation. There are many reasons for a vic­ toys, games, stereos, rock posters, and so tim not immediately reporting molestation on. The homes of some pedophiles have (fear, blackmail, embarrassment, confu­ been described as shrines to children or as sion), but the results of the seduction pro­ miniature amusement parks. cess are often ignored or not understood at Photographing of children This includes all. photographing children fully dressed. One Skilled at manipulating children In order to pedophile bragged that he went to rock con­ operate a child sex ring involving simulta­ certs with thirty or forty rolls of film in or­ neous sexual relations with multiple vic­ der to photograph young boys. After devel­ tims, a pedophile must know how to manip­ oping the pictures, he fantasized about ulate children. The pedophile uses having sex with them. Such a pedophile

14 might frequent playgrounds, youth swim­ additional victims to strengthen the case ming meets, child beauty pageants, or child against the offender. The more victims identi­ exercise classes with his camera. fied, the less likely that any of them will have to Collecting child pornography or child erot­ testify in court. But, even more important, as ica This is one of the most significant char­ soon as legally possible the investigator must acteristics of pedophiles, discussed in detail obtain a warrant to search for child pornogra­ on pages 17-24. phy or erotica, which is invaluable as evidence. There is a certain urgency in this because the If, after evaluating these indicators, the law­ more interviews conducted to obtain the enforcement investigator has reason to suspect needed probable cause for a search warrant, that a particular subject or suspect is a Prefer­ the greater the chance the pedophile will learn ential Child Molester, the investigator should of the investigation and move or hide his col­ utilize the two most important pedophile indi­ lection. Child pornography, especially that cators to his or her investigative advantage. produced by the offender, is the single most These two indicators are the evidence of multi­ valuable piece of evidence of child sexual abuse ple victims and collection of child pornography that any investigator can have. The effects on a or erotica. jury of viewing seized child pornography is dev­ The investigator must attempt to identify astating to the defendant's case.

15 5a Collection of Child Pornography and Erotica

Law-enforcement investigations have verified extensive collection; however, the vast majority that pedophiles almost always collect child of it will not be child oriented. His material pornography or child erotica. Collection is the might display a wide variety of sexual activity key word here. It does not mean that pedo­ and perversions, with child pornography being philes merely view pornography: They save it. only one small portion. The law-enforcement lt comes to represent their most cherished sex­ investigator should always consider the possi­ ual fantasies. They typically collect books, bility that any child molester might collect magazines, articles, newspapers, photo­ child pornography or erotica; however, it is al­ graphs, negatives, slides, movies, albums, most a certainty with the Preferential type. Be­ drawings, audiotapes, videotapes and equip­ cause true child pornography is not easy to ob­ ment, personal letters, diaries, clothing, sex­ tain, some pedophiles have only child erotica ual aids, souvenirs, toys, games, lists, paint­ in their collections. Because it represents his ings, ledgers, photographic equipment, sexual fantasies (age and gender preferences, etc.-all relating to children in a sexual, scien­ desired sexual acts), the collection of any child tific, or social way. Not all pedophiles collect molester should be carefully examined and all these items; their collections vary in size evaluated. and scope. Pedophiles with the economic means are converting more and more to video­ tape systems. They are even converting their Child Pornography . books, magazines, photographs, and movies to videotape. For less than $1500, a pedophile What the pedophile collects can be divided can have his own video camera and two video into two categories: child pornography and recorders, which give him the capability to pro­ child erotica. Child pornography can be be­ duce and duplicate child pornography and haviorally (not legally) defined as the sexually erotica with little fear of discovery. explicit reproduction of a child's image, voice, Situational Child Molesters might also col­ or handwriting-including sexually explicit lect pornography but not with the high degree photographs, negatives, slides, magazines, of predictability of the Preferential Child Mo­ movies, videotapes, audiotapes, and handwrit­ lester. In addition, child pornography will ten notes. In essence, it is the permanent re­ comprise a smail percentage of the total collec­ cord of the sexual abuse of a child. The only way child pornography can be reproduced is tion of the Situational Child Molester. In the child pornography collected by Situational through child victimization. Child pornogra­ Child Molesters, the children are frequently phy exists primarily for the consumption of dressed up (stockings, high heels, makeup) to pedophiles. If there were no pedophiles, there look like adults. The morally indiscriminate would be little or no child pornography. child molester might collect pornography or Child pornography can be divided into two erotica of a predominately sadomasochistic na­ SUbcategories: commercial and homemade. ture but probably will not save the same mate­ Commercial child pornography is that which is rial year after year. The sexually indiscrimi­ produced and intended for commercial sale. nate individual is most likely to have an Because of strict federal and state laws today,

17 there is no place in the United States where terial are not necessarily pedophiles. commercial pornography is openly sold. The On the other hand! sexually explicit photo­ commercial child pornography still being dis­ graphs of 19-year-old or older males or females tributed in the United States is smuggled in are not legally child pornography. But if the from foreign countries-primarily by pedo­ person portrayed in such material is young philes. The risks are usually too high for the looking, dressed youthfully, or made up to strictly commercial dealer. Because of their look young, the material could be of interest to sexual and personal interests, however, pedo­ pedophiles. This is simulated child pornogra­ philes are more willing to take those risks. phy. It is designed to appeal to the pedophile Their motive goes beyond profit. but it is not legally child pornography because Contrary to what its name implies, the qual­ the individuals portrayed are over 18. This il­ ity of homemade child pornography can be as lustrates the importance and sf'':':etimes the good if not better than the quality of any com­ difficulty in proving the age of the child in the mercial pornography. The pedophile has a photo!$raphs or videotapes. personal interest in the product. Homemade Unlike child erotica, child pornography re­ simply means it was not originally produced quires a child to be victimized. A child had to for commercial sale. Although commercial be sexually exploited to produce the material. child pornography is not openly sold anywhere Children used in pornography are desensitized in this country, homemade child pornography and conditioned to respond as sexual objects. is continually produced, swapped, and traded They are frequently ashamed of their portrayal in almost every community in America. Some­ in such material. They must deal with the per­ times homemade child pornography is sold or manency, longevity, and circulation of such a winds up in commercial child pornography record oftheir sexual abuse. Some types of sex­ magazines, movies, or videos. ual activity can be l'epressed and hidden from It is important for the law-enforcement in­ public knowledge; child victims can imagine vestigator to realize that most of the children in that some day the activity will be over and they pre-pubescent child pornography were not ab­ can make a fresh start. Many children, espe­ ducted into sexual slavery. They were seduced cially adolescent boys, vehemently deny their into posing for these pictures or videos by a involvement with a pedophile. But there is no pedophile they probably know. They were denying or hiding from a sexually explicit pho­ never missing children. In some cases their tograph or videotape. The child in a photo­ own parents took the pictures or made them graph or videotape is young forever and the available for others to take the pictures. Chil­ material can be used over and over again for dren in pubescent or technical child pornogra­ years. Some children have even committed phy, however, are more likely to be missing crimes in attempts to retrieve or destroy the children-especially runaways or throwaways permanent records of their molestation. being exploited by morally indiscriminate pimps or profiteers. Child Erotica In understanding the nature of child por­ nography, the law-enforcement officer must Child erotica is :1 broader and more encom­ recognize the distinction between technical passing term than child pornography. It can be and simulated child pornography. The Child defined as any material, relating to children, Protection Act of 1984 defines a child as any­ that serves a sexual purpose for a given individ­ one under the age of 18. Therefore, a sexually ual. Some of the more common types of child explicit photograph of a 17 -year-old girl is erotica include toys, games, drawings, fantasy technical child pornography. The production, writings, diaries, souvenirs, sexuai aids, man­ distribution, and, in some cases, the posses­ uals, letters, books about children, psychologi­ sion of child pornography could and should be cal books on pedophilia, and ordinary photo­ investigated under appropriate child pornog­ graphs of children. Generally, possession and raphy statutes. The investigator should under­ distribution of these items does not constitute a stand, though, that the consumers of such ma- violation of the law.

18 For investigative purposes, child erotica can Manuscripts Adult pornography be divided into the categories below. Financial records Published Material Relating to Children Ex­ Directories usually cOf':ain information on amples of this include books, magazines, arti­ where to locate chiluren. Newsletters and bul­ cles, or videotapes dealing with any of the fol­ letins are distributed by pedophile support lowing areas: groups, such as the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA), the Lewis Car­ Child development Sexual disorders roll Collector's Guild, and any other similar Sex education Pedophilia group. Manuscripts are writings of the pe­ Child photography Man-boy love dophile in formats suitable for real or imag­ Sexual abuse of children Personal ads ined publication. Ledgers and financial re­ Incest Detective magazines cords include cancelled checks. Child prostitution "Men's" magazines Missing children Nudism Pictures, Photographs, and Videotapes of Investigative techniques Erotic novels Children Examples include children found in Legal aspects Catalogs the following: Access to children Brochures Photography, art, or sex education books Also included are listings of foreign sex Photograph albums and displays tours, guides to nude beaches, and material on Candid shots sponsoring orphans or needy children. Detec­ Photocopies of photographs or pictures tive magazines saved by pedophiles usually Drawings and tracings contain stories about crimes against children. Posters and paintings The "men's" magazines collected may have ar­ Advertisements ticles about sexual abuse of children. The use Children's television programs of adult pornography to lower inhibitions is discussed elsewhere in this book. Although the Cut-and-paste pictures possession of information on missing children Cut-and-paste involves creating new pic­ should be carefully investigated to determine tures by cutting and pasting parts of old ones. possible involvement in abduction, most pe­ Seized videotapes should always be viewed in dophiles collect this material to help rational­ their entirety because a variety of material, in­ ize their behavior as child "lovers," not abduc­ cluding hard-core child pornography, could be tors. Personal ads include those in "swinger" on anyone tape. Some pedophiles cut out pic­ magazines, video magazines, and newspapers, tures of children from magazines and put them and may mention "family fun," "family activ­ in albums as if they were photographs. ity," "European material," "youth training," and so on. Erotic novels may contain stories Souvenirs and Trophies Examples may in­ about sex with children but without sexually clude mementos of children, listed below: explicit photographs. They may contain Photographs sketches or drawings. Materials concerning Articles of clothing current or proposed laws dealing with sex Jewelry and persunal items abuse; arrested, convicted or acquitted child Audiotapes molesters; or investigative techniques used by law-enforcement are common. Letters and notes Charts and records Unpublished Material Relating to Chil­ Photographs collected by pedophiles are of­ dren Examples include items such as the fol­ ten labeled or marked. Charts and records lowing: might include astrology or biorhythm charts. Personal letters Telephone and address books Audiotapes, letters, and notes collected for Audiotapes Pedophile manuals souvenir purposes are usually from past child Diaries Newsletters and bulletins victims and discuss what they did together and Fantasy writings Directories how much they like the offender.

19 Miscellaneous This category can include him. Six months later police find the letter­ items used in courting children: carefully filed as part of the pedophile's organ­ Computers and peripheral equipment ized collection. Sexual aids Toys, games, and dolls Use of Collection Costumes Child- or youth-oriented decorations Although the reasons why pedophiles collect Video and photography equipment child pornography and erotica are conjecture, Alcohol and drugs we can be more certain of how this material is Costumes include those worn by the of­ used. Study and police investigations have fender and by the children. identified certain criminal uses of the material. Child pornography and chHd erotica are used for the sexual arousal and gratification of Motivation for Collection pedophiles. They use child pornography the It is difficult to know with certainty why pedo­ same way other people use adult pornogra­ philes collect child pornography and erotica. phy-to feed sexual fantasies. Some pedo­ There may be as many reasons as there are philes only collect and fantasize about the ma­ pedophiles. Collecting this material may help terial without acting out these fantasies, but in pedophiles satisfy, deal with, or reinforce their most cases the arousal and fantasy fueled by compulsive, persistent sexual fantasies about the pornography is only a prelude to actual children. sexual activity with children. Collecting may also fulfill needs for valida­ A second use of child pornography and erot­ tion. Many pedophiles collect academic and ica is to lower children's inhibitions. A child scientific books and articles on the nature of who is reluctant to engage in sexual activity pedophilia in an effort to understand and jus­ with an adult or to pose for sexually explicit tify their own behavior. For the same reason, photos can sometimes be convinced by viewing pedophiles often collect and distribute articles other children having "fun" participating in and manuals written by pedophiles in which the activity. Peer pressure can have a tremen­ they attempt to justify and rationalize their be­ dous effect on children; if other children are havior. In this material pedophiles share tech­ involved, the child might be led to believe that niques for finding and seducing children and the activity is acceptable. When the pornogra­ avoiding or dealing with the criminal justice phy is used to lower inhibitions, the children system. portrayed will usually appear to be having a Pedophiles swap pornographic photographs good time. the way boys swap baseball cards. As they add Books on human sexuality, sex education, to their collections, they get strong reinforce­ and sex manuals are also used to lower inhibi­ ment from each other for their behavior. The tions. Children accept what they see in books, collecting and trading becomes a common and many pedophiles have used sex education bond. books to prove to children that such sexual be­ The need for validation may also partially havior is acceptable. Adult pornography is also explain why some pedophiles compulsively and used, particularly with adolescent boy victims, systematically save the collected material. It is to arouse them or to lower inhibitions. almost as though each communication and A third major use of child pornography col­ photograph is evidence of the value and legiti­ lections is blackmail. If a pedophile already macy of their behavior. For example, one has a relationship with a child, seducing the pedophile sends another pedophile a letter, en­ child into sexual activity is only part of the closing photographs and describing his sexual plan. The pedophile must also ensure that the activities with children. At the letter's conclu­ child keep the secret. Children are most afraid sion he asks the receiver to destroy the letter of pictures being shown to their friends. Pedo­ becauseit could be damaging evidence against philes use many techniques to blackmail; one

20 of them is through photographs taken of the lection five or ten years ago, chances are he still child. If the child threatens to tell his or her has the collection now-only it is larger. This is parents or the authorities, the existence of sex­ a very significant ch:..racteristic to consider ually explicit photographs can be an effective when evaluating the staleness of information silencer. used to obtain a search warrant. A fourth use of child pornography and erot­ Organized The pedophile usually maintains ica is as a medium of exchange. Some pedo­ detailed, neat, orderly records. There are ex­ philes exchange photographs of children for ceptions, but the collections of most pedo­ access to or phone numbers of other children. philes are carefully organized and maintained. The quality and theme of the material deter­ As will be discussed, some pedophiles now use mines its value as an exchange medium. computers for this purpose. Rather than paying cash for access to a child, the pedophile may exchange a small part (usu­ Permanent The pedophile might move, hide, ally duplicates) of his collection. The younger or give his collection to another pedophile if he the child and the more bizarre the acts, the believes the police are investigating him. He is greater the value of the pornography. not likely to destroy the collection: It is his A fifth use of the collected material is profit. life's work. In some cases he might even prefer Some people involved in the sale and distribu­ that the police seize it and keep it intact in an tion of child pornography are not pedophiles; evidence room where he might retrieve at least they are profiteers. In contrast, most pedo­ some of it when released from prison. One of­ philes seem to collect child erotica and pornog­ fender is known to have willed his collection to raphy for reasons other than profit. Some a fellow pedophile. pedophiles may begin nonprofittrading, which Concealed Because of the hidden or illegal na­ they pursue until they accumulate certain ture of the pedophile's activity, he is concerned amounts or types of photographs, which are about the security of his collection. But this then sold to commercial dealers for reproduc­ must always be weighed against his access to tion in commercial child pornography maga­ the collection. It does him no good if he cannot zines. Others combine their pedophilic inter­ get to it. ests with their profit motive. Some collectors even have their own photographic reproduc­ Where pedophiles hide their collections of­ tion equipment. Thus, the photograph of a ten depends on their living arrangements. It child taken with or without parental knowl­ living alone or with someone aware of his pref­ edge by a neighborhood pedophile in any erence for children, the collection will be less American community can wind up in a com­ well concealed. It might be in a trunk, box, mercial child pornography magazine with cabinet, bookcase, or out in the open. The worldwide distribution. child pornography might be better hidden than the erotica. If living with family members or others not aware of his activity, it will be bet­ Characteristics of Collection ter concealed. The collection might be found behind a false panel, in the duct work, under Important The pedophile's collection is usu­ insulation, and so on. The collection is usually ally one of the most important things in his in the pedophile's home, but it could be in an life. He is willing to spend considerable time automobile or a camper, at his place of busi­ and money on it. Most pedophiles make no ness, in a safety deposit box, or in a rented profit from their collections. After release from storage locker. The most difficult location to prison, many pedophiles attempt to get their find is a secret place in a remote rural area. collections back from the police. The investigator should search any area that is under the control of the offender. Constant No matter how much the pedophile has, he never has enough; no matter how much Shared The pedophile frequently has a need he has, he never throws anything away. If po­ or desire to show and tell others about his col­ lice have evidence that a pedophile had a col- lection. He is seeking validation for all his ef-

21 forts. The investigator can use this need to his them. Lists of customers, dollar amounts of advantage by showing interest in the collection transactions, descriptions of inventory, and so during any interview of a pedophile. The of­ on, can all be recorded on the computer. Police fender might appreciate the opportunity to must be alert to the fact that any pedophile brag about how much time, effort, and skill with the intelligence, economic means, or em­ went into his collection. ployment access might be using a computer in any or all of the above ways. Use of Computers There is a modern inven­ tion that is of invaluable assistance to the pedophile: the computer. It could be a large The Role of Law-Enforcement , computer system at his place of business or a small personal computer at his home. It is sim­ During any investigation of child sexual abuse, ply a matter of modern technology catching up the possible presence of child pornography and with long-known personality traits. The com­ erotica must be explored. For law-enforcement puter helps fill their needs for organization, officers, the existence and discovery of a child validation, and souvenir records. erotica and child pornography collection can be of invaluable assistance to the investigation Law-enforcement investigation has deter­ of any child sexual abuse case. Obviously, mined that pedophiles use computers to orga­ child pornography itself is usually evidence of nize their collections and correspondence. criminal violations. The ledgers, diaries, let­ Many pedophiles seem to be compulsive record ters, books, and souvenirs that are often part keepers. A computer makes it much easier to of a child erotica collection, however, can also store and retr:.!ve names and addresses of vic­ be used as supportive evidence to prove intent tims and other pedophiles. Innumerable char­ and for additional lead information. Names, acteristics of victims and sexual acts can be addresses, and pictures of additional victims; easily recorded and analyzed. An extensive dates and descriptions of sexual activity; pornography collection can be cataloged by names, addresses, phone numbers, and admis­ subject matter. Even fantasy writings and sions of accomplices and other pedophiles; and other narrative descriptions can be stored and descriptions of sexual fantasies, background retrieved for future use. information, and admissions of the subject are Many pedophiles communicate with other frequently part of a child erotica collection. pedophiles. Now, instead of putting a stamp Child erotica must be viewed in the context on a letter or package, they can use their com­ in which it is found. Although many people puter to exchange information. Pedophiles can might have some similar items in their home, it use their computers to locate individuals with is only the pedophile who collects such mate­ similar interests. Like advertisements in rial for sexual purposes as part of his seduction "swinger magazines," electronic bulletin of and fantasies about children. Many people boards are used to identify individuals of mu­ have a mail-order catalog in their home, but tual interest concerning age, gender, and sex­ only a pedophile has albums full of children's ual preference. For instance, in the December underwear ads he clipped and saved from past 1983 issue of the North American Man-Boy catalogs. Love Association (NAMBLA) bulletin, a mem­ Child erotica must also be evaluated in the ber from Michigan proposed that NAMBLA context in which it is found. The law-enforce­ establish its own electronic bulletin board. The ment investigator must use good judgment and pedophile may use an electronic bulletin board common sense. Possession of an album filled to which he has authorized access, or he may with pictures of the suspect's own fully dressed illegally enter a system. The pedophile can also children probably has no significance. Posses­ set up his own or participate in other surrepti­ sion of fifteen albums filled with pictures of tious or underground bulletin boards. fully dressed children unrelated to the suspect Pedophiles who have turned their child por­ probably has significance. Possession of his nography into a profit-making business use own children's underwear in their dresser computers the same way any business uses probably is normal. Possession of a suitcase

22 ------

full of little girl's underwear probably is suspi­ dead or simulating unusual sex acts. In one cious. Possession of a few books about child case, a pedophile photographed young boys development or sex education on a bookshelf with painted bondage-like markings on their probably has no significance. Possession of bodies. dozens of such books together in a box proba­ Investigators should make every effort to de­ bly is significant. termine the circumstances under which recov­ Mo~t people have photographs of children ered photographs were taken in order to evalu­ somewhere in their homes, and many people ate their investigative significance as child also possess photographs of naked children. erotica. Under most state statutes and the current fed­ erallaw, pictures of children portraying simple How They Were Saved Volume is a significant nUdity are not generally considered sexually factor here. Pedophiles are more likely to have explicit or obscene. The federal law requires at large numbers of photographs of children. least "lascivious exhibition of the genitals or One pedophile had 27 large photo albums pubic area" to be considered sexually explicit filled with pictures of children partially or fully and therefore to constitute child pornography. dressed. They are more likely to have their How then can an investigator evaluate the pos­ photographs carefully organized and cata­ sible significance of nude and non-sexually ex­ loged and mounted in binders or albums. plicit photographs of children found during a These may be photographs they cut out of search in the possession of a suspected of­ magazines, catalogs, or newspapers. Some­ fender? times sexually explicit captions are written The following criteria are offered for the above or below the pictures. evaluation of such photographs. As used here, Photographs are frequently marked with the the term photograph includes any visual depic­ children's names, ages, and dates taken and tion (negatives, prints, slides, movies, video­ sometimes also with addresses, physical de­ tapes). scriptions, and even sexual acts performed. Most people who have naked photographs of How They Were Produced Pedophiles are their children or grandchildren save them as a more likely to use trickery, bribery, or seduc­ small part of a wide collection. The pedophile tion to take their photographs of children. who collects photographs of children is more They sometimes photograph children under likely to have hundreds of such photographs false pretenses, such as leading them or their together, and all the children portrayed will be parents to believe that modeling or acting jobs of the same general age. There will be few, if might result. Some offenders even hide and any, photographs of these same children when surreptitiously photograph children. One pe­ they are older. The pedophile offender is also dophile hid above the ceiling of a boys' locker more likely to have enlargements or carefully room and photographed boys through a moved arranged groupings of these photographs­ ceiling tile. Many pedophiles even collect pho­ even arranged on the wall as a kind of shrine to tographs of children who are complete stran­ children. gers to them. They take these pictures at swim­ Investigators should carefully document the ming meets, wrestling matches, child beauty context in which such recovered photographs pageants, parks, parades, rock concerts, and were maintained by the offender. Prosecutors other events open to the public. These photo­ must insure that jurors understand that the pe­ graphs are usually of children of a certain age dophile's collection of photographs of naked and gender. children is not an ordinary one. Pedophiles are also more likely to take and possess photographs that focus on certain How They Were Used Pedophiles often use parts of a child's anatomy of particular sexual these photographs to help seduce and lower the interest to a certain offender. In some photo­ inhibitions of children. Pictures of naked chil­ graphs the children may be involved in strange dren could be used to convince children to re­ or bizarre behavior, such as pretending to be move their clothing. Investigators should at-

23 tempt to determine how the offender used such Sometimes the pedophile makes the identifica­ material in his interaction with children. tion unbelievably easy by labeling his photo­ Few police officers would ignore or fail to graphs with names, descriptions, addresses, seize sexually explicit child pornography found dates, and even sex acts performed. during a search. But, over and over again, offi­ Possession of numerous books, magazines, cers ignore and leave behind the child erotica. articles, or newspaper clippings about the sex­ Although not as significant or damaging as ual development and abuse of children or child pornography, child erotica is valuable ev­ about pedophilia in general can be used as evi­ idence of intent and a source of valuable intel­ dence of intent at a subsequent trial. It is very ligence information. difficult to disprove the claim of a wrestling Every effort should be made to attempt to coach that his touching was legitimate athletic identify the children, even those fully dressed, training or the claim of a teacher that his or her in photographs or videotapes found in the pos­ touching was normal healthy affection. This session of a pedophile. This is especially true if difficult task can be made easier if police have these items appear to have been produced by seized a child erotica collection that includes the offender himself. Each of these children is items such as a diary or fantasy writings de­ a potential victim of sexual abuse. This identi­ scribing the sexual stimulation received when fication must be done discreetly in order to touching a child while demonstrating a wres­ avoid potential public embarrassment to the tling hold or when fondling a student. children, whether or not they were victimized.

24 6. After Identification

When a child molestation case is uncovered pened only 5 times, and the offender might and an offender identified, there are certain re­ claim it happened only once or twice. A victim actions by the child molester that are fairly may admit to having sex but not to receiving predictable. This is especially true of the Pref­ monf!Y for sex or may admit to receiving oral erential Child Molester (pedophile). Knowl­ sex but not to giving it. Victims sometimes edge and anticipation of these reactions will deny certain sexual acts in spite of photo­ help the investigation and prosecution of such graphs showing otherwise. Adolescent boys, in difficult cases. particular, may deny or minimize their victim­ ization.

The Pedophile's Defenses Justification A child molester typically at­ tempts to justify his behavior to the police. He might claim that he cares for these children Denial Usually the first reaction of a child mo­ more than their parents do and that what he lester to discovery will be complete denial. The does is beneficial to the child. If he is the fa­ offender may act shocked, surprised, or even ther, he might claim the child is better off indignant about such an allegation of sexual learning about sex from him. He might claim activity with children. He may claim to know that he has been under tremendous stress or nothing about it or that he does not remember. has a drinking problem. He might claim that He might admit to an act but deny the intent he did not know how old a certain victim was. was sexual gratification: "Is it a crime to hug a child?" He may imply that his actions were His efforts to justify his behavior usually misunderstood, and a mistake has been made. center around blaming the victim. This is the His denial may be aided by relatives, friends, single most common rationalization of all neighbors, and coworkers. These associates pedophiles. The offender may claim he was se­ may be uncooperative and may even hinder po­ duced by the victim, that the victim initiated lice investigation of the offender. In any case, the sexual activity, or that the victim is promis­ the investigator should anticipate and not be cuous or even a prostitute. In a few cases, it thrown off by strong initial denial by a suspect. might even be true. But such a justification has no meaning. A crime has still been committed. Minimization If the evidence against him rules out total denial, the offender may at­ Fabrication Some of the more clever child mo­ tempt to minimize what he has done, both in lesters come up with ingenious stories to ex­ quantity and quality. He might claim that it plain their behavior. One offender, a doctor, happened on one or two isolated occasions or claimed he was doing research on male youth that he only touched or caressed the victim. He prostitution. Another professor claimed he was may be knowledgeable about the law and doing research on pedophilia and collected might admit to acts that he knows are lesser and distributed child pornography for scien­ offenses or misdemeanors. It is important to tific research. A teacher claimed that his stu­ recognize that even seemingly cooperative vic­ dents had such a desperate rteed for attention tims may also minimize the quantity and qual­ and affection that they practically threw thtm­ ity of acts. If a certain act was performed 30 selves at him and misunderstood his resulting times, the victim might claim it hap- affection for sexual advances. Many incest of-

25 fenders claim to be providing sex education for ing or going on the offensive. The pedophile their children. In another case, a nursery may harass, threaten, or bribe victims and wit­ school operator, who had taken and collected nesses; attack the reputation and personal life thousands of nude and seminude photographs of the investigating officer; attack the motives of young children in his care, claimed that they of the prosecutor; claim the case is selective were not for sexual purposes. He simply ad­ prosecution; raise issues such as gay rights if mired the anatomy of children. Another of­ the child victim is the same sex as the offender; fender claimed his sadomasochistic photos of and enlist the active support of groups and or­ children were part of a child discipline pro­ ganizations. gram. One offender claimed the children made The police investigator also must consider the sexually explicit videotape without his the possibility of physical violence. It would be knowledge and he kept it only to show their a terrible mistake for any police investigator or parents. Another offender claimed he was prosecutor to think that all child molesters are merely keeping the child warm in his bed on a passive people who are easily intimidated. The cold night. The investigator and prosecutor author is aware of at least two cases in which must be prepared to confront such stories and the arrested child molester was a survivalis1 attempt to disprove them. The finding of child with a massive arsenal of weapons and explo­ pornography or erotica in the possession of the sives. In addition, there are cases in which offender is one effective way to do this. child molesters murdered their victims, includ­ ing their own children, to keep them from dis­ Mental Illness When other tactics fail, the closing the sexual abuse. child molester may feign mental illness. It is interesting to note that few child molesters ad­ Guilty, but Not Guilty The offender will usu­ mit mental illness until after they are identified ally try to make a deal in order to avoid a pub­ or arrested or until other tactics fail. lic trial. Although this results in the highly de­ Of course, if the child molester is truly men­ sirable objective of avoiding child victim tally ill, he needs treatment and not ajail term. testimony, the unfortunate aspect of this is This book will not attempt to debate whether that the offender is often allowed to plead, in or not pedophilia is a mental disorder that le­ essence, "guilty, but not guilty." This some­ gally alters criminal responsibility for behav­ times involves a plea of nolo contendere to ior. If the behavior of a child molester is con­ avoid civil liability. The offender may make sidered the result of a mental illness, however, public statements that he is pleading guilty be­ then it must out of necessity be treated as a cause he does not want to put the children "contagious" disease that is, at best, difficult through the trauma of having to testify or be­ to cure. cause he has no more money to defend himself. This problem is compounded by the fact that it Sympathy Pedophiles may resort to a "nice is possible, under the provisions of a U.S. Su­ guy defense." In this defense, the offender ex­ preme Court decision (North Carolina vs. Al­ presses deep regret and atteml'ts to show that ford, 400 U.S. 25, 1970) to plead guilty to a he is the pillar of the community, a devoted charge while at the same time not acknowledg­ family man, a military veteran, a church ing that you committed the crime. In some leader, nonviolent, without prior arrests, and a cases, offenders claimed they pleaded guilty victim of many personal problems. In view of because they knew a jury would convict them, the fact that many people still believe in the but they "could not remember committing the myth that child molesters are "strangers" or crime." Although it is understandable why a misfits of society, this tactic can unfortunately prosecutor might accept such a plea in some be effective. cases, its use prevents the offender from having to accept public responsibility for his behavior. Attack It is important not to overlook this re­ He is able to plead "guilty, but not guilty"­ action of the identified child molester. It can further confusing the child victim as to who is be used many times during the investigation or guilty and innocent. Another variation of this prosecution. This reaction consists of attack- is that the child molester pleads not guilty by

26 reason of insanity. If state insanity criteria al­ child murders. Although this reaction is not as low it, he will claim that he knew his acts were common as the others discussed here, there are wrong, but he lacked the ability to conform his numerous cases in which this has happened. In behavior to the law. The judge and jur) will many of these cases, the information furnished then be given the difficult task of differentiat­ has turned out to be exaggerated, dl,;torted, or ing between an irresistible impulse and an im­ patently false. Investigators have no choice but pulse not resisted. to investigate and check out such allegations A wide variety of criminals may react in sim­ because they might be partially or totally true. ilar ways Nhen their activity is discovered or in­ Investigators, however, must be skeptical and vestigated. The reactions described above, cautious in their response. Such stories should however, have been seen in child molesters be carefully evaluated and assessed, and inves­ time and time again, particularly in Preferen­ tigators should consider an early use of the tial Child Molesters. polygraph by an examiner knowledgeable about pedophilia. After Conviction After being convicted and sentenced to incarceration, some pedophiles Suicide One other reaction should also be an­ may exhibit another reaction. This involves ticipated in certain cases. An offender, espe­ asking to speak to law-enforcement investiga­ cially from a middle-class background and tors and claiming to have important informa­ who has no prior arrests, should be considered tion about more serious offenses against chil­ a high suicide risk at any time after arrest or dren. They might claim to know about conviction. The law-enforcement investigator organized child sex rings, child pornography, should be prepared to be blamed for the of­ child prostitution, abduction of children, or fender's death.

27 7. Investigative Difficulties

The author has observed four major problems Need for Attention and Affection This is by that make the investigation of child sexual far the most significant characteristic of chil­ abuse and exploitation difficult for the law-en­ dren that makes them ideal victims, especially forcement officers and the criminal justice sys­ for the seduction child molester. Even when tem. Some of these investigative difficulties are they are getting attention and affection at not unique to child sexual abuse cases, but home, children still crave and need it from oth­ only their impact on and relevance to such ers in their life. Although all children are at cases will be discussed here. risk from such seduction techniques, it seems that the child from a broken home, who is the victim of emotional neglect, or who has strong The Ideal Victim feeling~ of alienation is most vulnerable. Many Children in general have certain characteris­ victims get to the point where they are willing tics that make them ideal victims from the oJ­ to trade sex for the attention and affection they Jender's point of view. Some of these charac­ get from some child molesters. It is sad but teristics are listed below. true that in many ways some child molesters treat their victims better than their own par­ Naturally Curious Children have a natural cu­ ents do. The seduction child molester exploits riosity about the world around them. As they the child's need for attention and affection to grow older, they become increasingly curious his advantage. The child molester is usually about sex. For most children sex is a taboo willing to supply all this attention and affection subject about which they receive little accurate only as long as the child meets his age prefer­ information, especially from their parents. ences, however. When the child gets too "old," This natural curiosity and the lack of available the attention and affection usually turn to ne­ information can be easily exploited by a clever glect and rejection. child molester to lower a child's inhibitions Recently reported statistics indicate that and gradually seduce them into sexual activity. large numbers of children are being raised in single parent families. This is an ideal situa­ Easily Led by Adults Many parents specifi­ tion for the seduction child molester. Many cally instruct their children to respect and obey parents are not only not suspicious of adults adults. Children are aware that their very sur­ who want to spend time with their children, vival depends on these powerful adults. In ad­ they welcome them. But parents should at least dition to fulfilling the physical and emotional be suspicious of individuals who want to be to­ needs of children, adults are bigger and gether with their children for long periods of stronger. Any adult child molester can simply time. exploit his or her size and adult status to influ­ ence and control a child's behavior. Some child Need to Defy Parents Many children, espe­ molesters exploit their status as stepfathers, cially when they reach adolescence, go through guardians, Big Brothers, or scout leaders to a rebellious period. This can be exploited by entice children into sexual activity. Child mo­ the child molester to his advantage. Any child lesters who do not have this added adult au­ who is victimized as a result of disobeying pa­ thority so:::etimes impersonate such individ­ rental guidelines will be reluctant to admit uals, claiming to be police officers, ministers, their error. This is especially true of adolescent and so on, when they are not. boys.

29 Preceding page blank Children as Witnesses Many children are not selves. This is "toxic" work, and each individ­ believed when they report being sexually ual has a tolerance level. abused and may be subject to harassment in Police officers investigating child sexual court. The truth is that children are not poor abuse and exploitation must also learn to cope witnesses. Neither are they ideal witnesses. Al­ with the stigma within law-enforcement at­ though child witnesses have many of the same tached to sex crime and vice investigation. Be­ traits as adult witnesses, the criminal justice cause there is so much ignorance about sex in system must make special allowances for the general and deviant sexual behavior specifi­ developmental stages of children. Information cally, fellow officers frequently joke about sex furnished by children must be evaluated and crime and vice investigators. For officers work­ assessed like the information furnished by any ing child sexual abuse cases, especially in me­ other victim or witness. If possible, as an early dium or small departments, it is even worse. step in this assessment, consideration should They frequently become isolated from their be given to having a young child victim or wit­ peer group because their fellow officers do not ness evaluated by a mental health professional want to hear about child molesters and child in order to determine the child's developmen­ pornography. This is a problem that supervi­ tal progress. This information can be of assis­ sors as well as individual officers must recog­ tance in evaluating the information and details nize and deal with. One investigator wrote the furnished by the child. This is not always possi­ author that trying to talk to his superiors about ble or practical, however. the nature and scope of this problem (sexual It has been the author's experience that chil­ exploitation of children) was like trying to con­ dren rarely deliberately lie about sexual abuse, vince the Air Force of the existence of UFOs. but they can misperceive events. Children can An officer who gets too emotionally involved be confused, tricked, or even drugged by of­ in a case is more likely to make mistakes and fenders. In today's modern society, even very errors in judgment. He may wind up losing a young children can learn about sex, including case and allowing a child molester to go free bizarre and unusual acts, from peers, televi­ because he "violated his rights" in some way. sion, videotapes, magazines, observation of He is less likely to interview objectively and adults around them, and even from well-mean­ properly assess a child victim. ing safety programs. Children can be easily in­ fluenced by untrained or overzealous inter­ viewers, including parents, therapists, social What Constitutes Sexual Activity? workers, and police. Any officer who has investigated child sexual abuse cases knows this is not an easy question. Isolation of Affect Is hugging a child a sexual act? Is kissing a child a sexual act? Is appearing naked in front Almost anyone in regular contact with the un­ of a child a sexual act? The answer to these desirable aspects of human nature may uncon­ questions is that it depends on the intent of the sciously employ the defense mechanism known individual performing these acts. as "isolation of affect." Law-enforcement cer­ tainly falls into this category of occupations. Very often the child victim is the most valu­ Police officers quickly learn to hide their emo­ able source of information concerning intent. tions. The victim knows or can "feel" the difference Any police officer assigned to the investiga­ between hugging and fondling, affectionate tion of child sexual abuse should be a volunteer kissing and passionate kissing, accidental nu­ who has been carefully selected and trained for dity and indecent exposure. Proving it in court this highly specialized work. This kind of work can still be difficult. Especially in incest cases, is not for everyone. Each officer must decide many offenders will attempt to claim that such for himself if he can deal with this type of acts constitute acceptable and even desirable work. Just as important, the officers working interaction with children. these cases must cOlltinually monitor them- Even seemingly obvious sexual acts such as

30 oral-genital contact or oral-breast contact can doubtful that they have had any significant im­ be confusing, especially when the offender is a pact on American public opinion in general. female. Is it a sexual act for a mother to have Their greatest threat to society is as a source of her six-month-old baby suck on her breasts? support and validation for child molesters and At what age is it unacceptable or possibly a pedophiles. These groups and the material sexual act? At two years old? At five years old? they publish help child molesters to justify Child molesters frequently engage in acts their behavior. Many pedophiles are openly that are behaviorally, if not legally, sexual proud of their behavior. acts. Seemingly normal acts, such as photo­ In fact, some academics, mental health pro­ graphing children, touching children, wres­ fessionals, and sexologists express very similar tling with children, or even looking at children, views. These so-called "experts" on human can be sexual acts for some individuals. More sexual behavior sometimes equate the existing bizarre acts could also be considered sexual laws that prohibit sex with children with laws acts. In one case, an offender got sexual grati­ that prohibit masturbation, fornication, and fication from photographing children pretend­ homosexuality. They advocate changing the ing they were dead after a make-believe game laws so that children can choose their sexual of cops and robbers. One offender admitted partners freely, but under the guise of chil­ "molesting" sixty children but stated that the dren's rights and freedom. Investigators need figure did not include the thousands of chil­ to be aware that these "experts" frequently tes­ dren he merely "touched" for sexual gratifica­ tify at the trials of child molesters or child por­ tion. nographers. Also, police investigators must be prepared to deal with the fact that the identification, in­ Societal Attitudes vestigation, and prosecution of many child mo­ lesters may not be welcomed by their commu­ What is society's attitude toward the sexual nities-especially if the molester is a promi­ abuse of children? Most people would proba­ nent citizen. Citizens may protest, and com­ bly respond that American society views child munity organizations may rally to the support molesting as a serious, horrible crime. Even of the offender and even attack the victims. other criminals detest child molesters. City officials may apply pressure to halt or There are, however, several organizations in cover up the investigation. this country and around the world that openly The final frustration for the police officer of­ voice a far different attitude about adult sex ten comes in the sentencing of a convicted with children. The Rene Guyon Society, the child molester. There are serious sex offenses, North American Man-Boy Love Association such as murder, torture, and sadistic rape, (NAMBLA), the Pedophile Information Ex­ that are generally dealt with severely by the change (PIE), the Child Sensuality Circle, the criminal justice system. And there are nui­ Pedo-Alert Network (PAN), and the Lewis sance sex offenses, such as indecent exposure Carroll Collector's Guild are all examples of and window peeping, that are generally dealt groups that openly advocate adult-child sex with lightly by the criminal justice system. The and the changing of laws that make it a crime. problem is that the nonviolent sexual abuse of These groups usually restrict their advocacy to children is more often dealt with as a nuisance "consenting" sexual activity with children, offense. The bottom line is that society con­ and claim to be opposed to forced sex with demns child molestation in the abstract, but children. how it responds to individual cases depends on In spite of the attention that many of these the particular circumstances and the mo­ organizations have received in the past, it is lester's position in the community.

31 Afterword

The following remarks are excerpted from a graph, a slide, a picture of a crime in progress. speech given by the author at a national sym­ There is no debate about it. posium on child molestation held by the U. S. The other area that I look at under sexual Department of Justice on October 1-4, 1984: exploitation is child sex rings. These sex rings I see the sexual victimization of children as can be commercial in nature, as many people involving three major areas. The first major think when they hear the words "child sex area is what I call sexual abuse of children. rings." However, these rings can also be non­ This involves the sexual activity between the commercial in nature, can involve an individ­ adult and the child victim. This can involve ual with a large group of children, where there nonviolent sexual abuse in which the child is is no exchange of money whatsoever. seduced through attention and affection, and Also, another area that is certainly part of bribed; and the cooperation of that child is this problem but does not totally come under gained through these seduction techniques. the umbrella of sexual abuse or sexual victim­ This sexual abuse can be violent in some cases, ization of children is the important issue of where the child is physically forced, through vi­ missing children, runaways, parental abduc­ olence, to engage in sexual activity. And, cer­ tions, stranger abductions, and dealing with tainly, a certain amount of this sexual activity these problems. involves incestuous reiationships. These are the three major areas. Certainly The second major area under the sexual vic­ there are interrelationships between the three timization of children is what I call sexual ex­ different areas that need to be dealt with. ploitation of children. Certainly, sexual exploi­ The last area about which I'd like to make a tation of children involves sexual abuse. But it few remarks, and I think it's very important also involves some other types of activity and that you have an understanding in this area, dynamics that are not addressed simply with has to do with societal attitudes. There are the phrase "sexual abuse of children." many people who believe that there is universal I would include child pornography under condemnation of sexual victimization of chil­ sexual exploitation of children. And I think it dren .... is very important that you recognize and deal You'll find that the community does not with this problem of child pornography. There universally condemn this problem. One of the is a great debate in our society concerning por­ real issues has to do with a certain societal atti­ nography in general and what harm it does and tude. In all the many years that I've talked to so on and so forth. This is something that different groups about this problem, if some­ needs to be looked at and is being looked at. one were to say to me, what is the most com­ But my opinion is that child pornography has mon response you get from an audience, I nothing whatsoever to do with this other de­ would have to say in all honesty the most com­ bate. mon response is denial: the refusal to accept it, In child pornography, there is no debate. the refusal to perceive it, the refusal to process Child pornography is the permanent record of it. This is true of police officers; this is true of the sexual abuse of a child. There is only one mental health professionals; this is true of citi­ way to make child pornography, and that is, zens, parent groups, and everybody else. Peo­ you must sexually molest a child. It is a photo- ple refuse to accept this.

33 As a result of this denial, two myths con­ should we consider this individual to be an of­ tinue to be perpetuated. The first myth is that fender? child molesters are dirty, old, evil men, and In response to this issue-Did the child ini·· that only dirty, rotten, evil, vicious, horrible tiate it? Did the child cooperate?-I simply people commit this crime. And because this say, so what? I don't really care whether the man who is accused of committing the crime is child initiated and asked for it. What does that not old and evil and rotten and mean, he can't have to do with the issue that we're address­ possibly have committ~d the crime. And this is ing? If a child asked you to jump off the top of what we hear over and over again: "It can't be a 12-story building, do you jump off and say, true! . . I know that guy. He's a nice guy." "I had to do it because the child asked me"? To that I say, "What does that have to do So whether or not the child initiates the activ­ with whether or not he molested the child?" ity, in my opinion, is irrelevant in these cases. But that is the perception. If he's a nice guy, he didn't molest the child. . . . My final point this morning is to let you And the second myth that's equally horrible know that we need to make a distinction be­ and equally false is that children want or initi­ tween pedophiles and child molesters. The ate this sexual activity. This myth is much terms are not necessarily interchangeable and more subtle in nature. You can get very few are not synonymous. A pedophile has a sexual people who will openly admit that they believe preference for children. Although he may en­ this. But yet, when you see their reaction and gage in sexual relations with adults, the prefer­ their response to this person, you'll have to ence is for children. come to the realization that that's exactly what they believe, that children want and initiate A child molester mayor may not be a pe­ this activity. dophile. He may be a Situational offender or a Sympathy for victims is inversely propor­ psychopath. A psychopath may be involved in all forms of antisocial behavior, including tional to their age. The older the victim, the child molestation. These people operate under less we're concerned. And, so suddenly, if you a philosophy I refer to as "If it feels good, do have a case involving a very young, small child, it. " there is tremendous concern. As the child gets older, sympathy and concern become less and This distbction between pedophiles and less, and we're more likely to say, well, the kid child molesters is especially important in terms asked for it, the kid wanted it, the kid initiated of treatment and should be taken into account the activity. Why should we bother? Why when developing treatment programs.

34 Bibliography

Adams, Henry E., and C. David Tollison. Sex­ Groth, A. Nicholas. "Patterns of Sexual As­ ual Disorders. New York: Gardner Press, sault Against Children and Adolescents." In 1979. Sexual Assault of Child: 'en and Adolescents. Ann Wolbert Burgess et al. Lexington, Massa­ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental chusetts: Lexington Books, 1980. Disorders. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C.: Ameri­ can Psychiatric Association, 1980. Groth, A. Nicholas, et al. "The Child Mo­ lester: Clinical Observations." In Social Work Dietz, Park Elliot. "Sex Offenses: Behavioral and Child Sexual Abuse. Ed. Jon R. Conte and Aspects." In Encyclopedia of Crime and Jus­ David A. Shore. New York: Hawthorne Press, tice. Ed. S. H. Kadish et al. New York: Free 1982. Press, 1983.

35 Additional Reading

Burgess, Ann Wolbert. Child Pornography O'Brien, Shirley. Child Pomography. Dubu­ and Sex Rings. Lexington, Massachusetts: que, Iowa: Kendall Hunt, 1983. Lexington Books, 1984. O'Carroll, Tom. Paedophilia: The Radical Burgess, Ann Wolbert, A. Nicholas Groth, Case. London: Peter Owen, 1980. and Lynda Lytle Holmstrom. Sexual Assault of Children and Adolescents. Lexington, Mas­ Rush, Florence. The Best Kept Secret: Sexual sachusetts: Lexington Books, 1978. Abuse of Children. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1980. Colao, Flora, and Tamar Hosansky. Your Children Should Know. New York: Bobbs­ Sanford, Linda Tschirhart. The Silent Chil­ Merrill, 1983. dren: A Bookfor Parents about the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. New York: McGraw­ De Young, Mary. The Sexual Victimization of Hill, 1981. Children. Jefferson, North Carolina: Mc­ Farland and Company, 1982. Sgroi, Suzanne M. Handbook of Clinical In­ tervention in Child Sexual Abuse. Lexington, Lederer, Laura, ed. Take Back the Night. New Massachusetts: Lexington Books, 1982. York: William Morrow, 1980. Tsang, Daniel, ed. The Age Taboo. Boston, Linedecker, Clifford L. Children 11l Chains. Massachusetts: Alyson Publications, 1981. New York: Everest House, 1981. Weisberg, D. Kelly. Children of the Night. Lloyd, Robin. For Money or Love: Be'" Prosti­ Lexington, Massachusetts: Lexington Books, tution in America. New York: Vanguard, 1985. 1976. Note: Several of these books, written by pedophiles, are Martin, Lloyd, and Jill Haddad. We Have a useful for the law-enforcement investigator interested in Secret. Newport Beach, California: Crown examining the attitudes of those advocating sexual rela­ Summit Books, 1982. tions with children.

37 Appendix

Cycle of Violence

Family Physical! Sexual Abuse

Missing Child Episodes Maturation to Abuser/Exploiter

Exploitation of Child

39 Pr~cfJding page blank Appendix

Sexual Victimization. of ChlIch-en

I IT ill Sexually Abused Children Sexually Exploited Children Missillg Children

A. Victims A. Pornography A. Runaways (homeless) 1. Extent and effect 1. Commercial/homemade 1. Thrown away/lured away (a) girls/boys 2. Technical/simulated 2. From abuse (sexual?) 2. Indicators 3. Child erotica 3. To exploitation (sexual?) 3. Investigative difficulties 4. Collection B. Lost/Injured (a) fantasy B. Victim/Offender (b) validation C. Parental Abduction 1. Relationship (c) souvenir 1. Motherlfather(?) (a) stranger 2. Good/bad parent (?) (b) relative B. Sex Rings 3. UFAP (c) acquaintance 1. Ongoing access 2. Violence 2. Offender-victim bond D. Abduction 3. Seduction process 3. Types I. Emotionally disturbed (a) solo 2. Profit C. Offenders (b) transition 3. Ransom I. Situational (c) syndicated 4. Sexual (a) regressed (a) keep (b) morally indiscriminate C. Prostitution (b) return (c) sexually indisctiminate 1. Runaways (c) discard (d) inadequate 2. Gender and age (d) kill 2. Preferential (pedophile) 3. Life span 5. Child killer (a) seduction 4. Cu~tomers (a) organized (b) introvert (a) situational (b) disorganized (c) sadistic (b) preferential (c) parent

41 Preceding pag@ blard~ NATIONAL CENTER FOR UISSINf, B~XPU)l'l'B~n _-,---,CHI LOREN Parental guidelines Protect in case your child might someday be the victim of Our sexual abuse or exploitation Children

The following instructions provide information for the " Show physical affection, and express your love and family and the school about what to do if a child indi­ confidence with words and gestures. Avoid chal­ cates that he or she has been the victim of sexual abuse lenges starting with why. such as "Why didn't you or exploitation. They are calm, straightforward instruc­ tell me this before?" or "Why did you let it hap­ tions that wiII not alarm or frighten your child. We pen?" Give positive messages, such as "I'm proud want families and children to be careful ... we do not of you for telling me this;' "I'm glad it wasn't want them to be afraid. worse;' or "I know you couldn't help ie' There is always a chance that a child may disclose " Explain to the child that he or she has done no past acts of exploitation or general feelings of fear. If wrong. The child may well have feelings of guilt and this happens, we want you to be prepared to help the responsibility and assume that he or she is to blame child. How you react to a child's disclosure of sexual for what happened. Most children are enticed or exploitation or fear is a very important part of child tricked into acts of exploitation, and they think protection. Follow the guidelines below if a child indi­ they should have been smarter or stronger. cates that he or she may have been the victim of sexual abuse or exploitation. " Remember that children seldom lie about acts of sexual exploitation. It is important that the child Don't feel that you believe what he or she has told you. " Keep open the lines of communication with the ... panic or overreact to the information disclosed child. In the future, it will be vitally important that by the child. With your help and support, you will the child believe that you are sympathetic, under­ both make it through these difficult times. standing, supportive, and optimistic so that he or she will be comfortable in making additional dis­ ... criticize the child. The worst thing you can do is closures and in discussing feelings. to express anger at the child having violated pre­ vious instructions. Outbursts such as "I told you not to go into anyone's home!" wiII only hurt your abil­ Steps to Take ity to help. 1. If you think the child has been physically injured, seek out appropriate medical attention. Remember, Do often we do not realize that a child who has been " Respect the child's privacy. Accompany the child to sexually exploited is also physically injured. Do not a private place where he or she can relate the story. guess. Let the professionals make an independent Be careful not to discuss the incidents in front of judgment about treatment. people who do not need to know what happened. 2. You must alert the child protection, youth services, " Support the child and the decision to tell the story. child abuse, or other appropriate social services or­ It is normal for children to fear telling others - es­ ganizations. The police, sheriff's office, or other law­ pecially parents. Make it clear that telling you what enforcement agency must also be notified. happened was the right thing to do and that you 3. Consider the need for counseling or therapy for the wiII protect the child from future harm. Remember, child. To ignore the incident, to "sweep it under the often a child molester or exploiter will tell the child rug;' to act as if i t did not happen is not going to that bad things wiII happen if the child ever tells help the child deal with the exploitation. In deciding anyone what has happened. The child is especially what counselors to use, look for someone who is ex­ fearful of punishment, panic, or the loss of the par­ perienced in cases of sexual victimization. Ask ents'love. about the number of children they have counseled. 2-86-005

Contents

Foreword

1. Definitions of Terms

_ 2. A Law-Enforcement Typology - 3. The Law-Enforcement Investigation 4. Identifying Pedophiles

5. Collection of Child Pornography and Erotica - 6. After Identification 7. Investigative Difficulties - Afterword Bibliography - Additional Reading Appendix