Court records detail accusations of child exploitation against an Indianapolis police veteran and the use of a popular messaging app.
Twelve-year Indianapolis Metro Police veteran Javed Richards used messaging app Kik to upload over forty files of child porn, including videos and pictures, according to the arrest affidavit. Those court records also claim Richards used a “highly secured” email domain to attempt to cover his tracks.
Kik submitted a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in July based on this activity, but the messaging app remains one of the go-to apps for child predators.
Kik is often the platform of choice for predators to upload child porn and has been that way for nearly 15 years.
Signing up for Kik is simpler compared to most social media apps. You only need your birthdate and an email, but both of course can be fabricated. Kik’s web site states the app is listed as “intended for users 17 or older” on Google and Apple’s app stores, yet users at least 13-years-old can sign up for free.
From Kik’s Community Standards:
“Violent and Criminal Behavior Child Abuse and Nudity.
We have zero tolerance for any content encouraging, promoting, or featuring the exploitation of children. This includes soliciting child sexual abuse material, sharing images of child abuse, and any content depicting child nudity. Content, including but not limited to text, photos, illustrations, videos, and animated imagery that sexualizes or exploits minors, will not be tolerated. Sharing or possessing this content is a serious crime, and we will report such instances to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
For the purposes of this policy, a minor is any person under the age of 18.”
Kik has been involved in countless child porn/exploitation cases. So much so that the platform now has a dedicated section for law enforcement. This is a piece of the Law Enforcement Guide:
“Kik is rated 17+ in the iTunes Store and Teen in the Google Play store. A user must enter their birthdate and be 13 years of age or older in order to register a Kik account. Children under the age of 13 are prohibited from having a Kik account by the Kik Terms of Service. If Kik obtains knowledge that a user is under the age of 13, it’s our policy to permanently deactivate their account and delete their personal information (unless otherwise notified by law enforcement).”
Javed Richards has already been arrested and charged with 12 counts of child exploitation. His termination has been recommended by IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. Richards has already been suspended. which was confirmed by Chief Bailey Monday.
“I am profoundly shocked and disturbed by the allegations involving an IMPD officer. His alleged actions constitute a betrayal of the sacred oath we take to protect and serve our community. These actions do not reflect the character of the brave men and women who serve Indianapolis with integrity and dedication every day. The exploitation of children through pornography is an unimaginable crime that inflicts lasting harm on our most vulnerable. I commend the unwavering dedication of our detectives in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. Their efforts in investigating, prosecuting, and formulating responses to these heinous crimes ensure that those who prey on children are held accountable,” said Bailey in a Monday press release.
Richards is due in court Thursday.
