On Friday, August 18, 2023, and Saturday, August 19, 2023, Boise Police worked with several partner agencies to arrest eight (8) suspects on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.
The following suspects were arrested on federal charges and are in custody and being held at the Ada County Jail.
Arrested: Tyler Asker, 32, Boise; Charges: Attempted Coercion Of Minor (18 USC 2422(b))
Arrested: Shawn Long, 40, Boise; Charges: Attempted Coercion Of Minor (18 USC 2422(b))
Arrested: Daniel De Long, 44, Vale, OR; Charges: Attempted Coercion of a Minor (18 USC 2422(b))
The following suspects were arrested on state charges and booked into the Ada County Jail.
Arrested: David Gowin, 21, Boise; Charges: Enticement IC18-1509A
Arrested: Deler Abdulbaqi, 32, Boise; Charges: Enticement IC 18-1509A
Arrested: Michael Gantz, 27 Boise; Charges: Enticement IC 18-1509A
Arrested: Michael Hibbard, 32, Garden City; Charges: Enticement IC 18-1509A
Arrested: Emmanuel Padron, 32, Garden City; Charges: Enticement IC 18-1509A and Sexual Exploitation of a Child IC 18-1507
During this investigation, the Boise Police Department partnered with the Meridian Police Department, Garden City Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security, the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Ada County Prosecutors Office. Through a coordinated response between the involved agencies and undercover officers, an investigation showed that the involved suspects utilized electronic means and several social media applications to communicate with people they believed to be minors and coordinate a meeting with them for sexual purposes. One suspect traveled across state lines to meet what he believed was a minor child.
“I am grateful to live in a community with so many partners committed to stopping this type of damaging and criminal activity,” said Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar. “When it comes to priorities, there are few, if any, that should rank higher than devoting our resources to protecting children. Holding offenders accountable in such situations is one of law enforcement's highest and most noble charters.”
This investigation was coordinated by BPD’s Special Victim’s Unit and included support from several BPD units including Neighborhood Contact Officers and Undercover Vice/Narcotics Detectives (BANDIT). As a result of this operation, there are several ongoing investigations and additional charges are possible.
“We would like to give special thanks to both federal and state prosecutors for being an integral part of this operation to ensure that justice is served,” said Chief Winegar.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
BPD reminds parents and caregivers to talk with children about safety online and what to do if they receive concerning messages.
Tips for kids and parents:
- Talk to kids about the responsibility that comes with a phone or internet access and the possible dangers they may face including cyberbullying, sexting, taking explicit images, and online predators.
- Set guidelines for phone, app, and online usage. Some phone plans have built-in controls to assist parents.
- Parents should monitor phone usage and online activity to know who kids are calling, texting, and messaging. Parents should know all passwords.
- Consider having the charging station in a parent’s bedroom at night to prevent phone usage overnight.
- An open dialogue with your child is the best safety resource.