According to court documents, on September 3, officers spoke with a man who runs the YouTube channel “Catching Online Predators.” He reported that Jerry Jay Shope had been messaging an online decoy posing as an underage girl.
The tipster told police the chats were sexual in nature. He also said Shope showed him photos and videos that he believed were child sexual abuse material.
Shope later told officers he was being scammed. He claimed women sent him images of nude minors while demanding gift cards. He said he saved the files to show a case worker.
Investigators searched Shope’s phone. They reported finding several images of nude females and a video depicting a prepubescent minor in a sexual context. Officers seized the device as evidence.
Prosecutors have charged Shope with felony possession of certain materials prohibited under North Dakota law. He was taken into custody and booked. A first court appearance was pending at the time of this report.
Authorities have not released further details on additional suspects or possible distribution. The investigation is ongoing. If new evidence leads to more counts, prosecutors could amend the complaint.
Important note: A criminal charge is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
If you encounter suspected child exploitation online, report it to the NCMEC CyberTipline. North Dakotans can also find victim and reporting resources via the ND Attorney General’s ICAC program.
TRF News will follow this case and update readers when court records are filed or hearings are scheduled.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
