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Brevard Sheriff’s Agent Mike Spadafora Honored as Florida’s Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

By  //  September 13, 2018

FLORIDA TASK FORCE/TEAM OF THE YEAR

Brevard County Sheriff’s Agent Mike Spadafora was honored as Florida’s “Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” for his outstanding investigative abilities in the area of child pornography investigations. (BCSO image)

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Four members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office were recognized this week with awards for their outstanding work protecting children during Florida’s annual “Missing Children’s Day” event in Tallahassee, Florida.

Florida’s “Missing Children’s Day” exists to raise awareness of Florida’s currently missing children, to educate the public on child safety and abduction prevention, and to recognize those individuals and law enforcement officers who have made outstanding contributions in the prevention and investigation of missing children cases.

As part of the ceremony, Agent Mike Spadafora was announced as Florida’s “Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” for his outstanding investigative abilities in the area of child pornography investigations.

Agent Spadafora was recognized specifically for conducting an investigation and subsequent arrest of an individual who traveled from Switzerland to Brevard County for the purpose of sexually abusing a minor child.

The individual subsequently confessed to flying to America to commit the horrific acts on a child and after being convicted was sentenced to life in prison. There is no doubt that Agent Spadafora’s actions saved the lives of innocent children across the globe as the suspect admitted to having committed his evil acts on other children as well.

Lt. Rob Vitaliano, Agent Mike Spadafora, Agent Alex Sorokin and Agent Aja Stakes were named Florida’s “Task Force/Team of the Year” for their outstanding work in changing Florida Legislation that will protect children across our state for generations to come. (BCSO image)

FLORIDA TASK FORCE/TEAM OF THE YEAR

In addition, Lt. Rob Vitaliano, Agent Mike Spadafora, Agent Alex Sorokin and Agent Aja Stakes were named Florida’s “Task Force/Team of the Year” for their outstanding work in changing Florida Legislation that will protect children across our state for generations to come.

The legislative change took place after the team realized a loop-hole in Florida Law allowed internet providers to notify potential suspects in Child Pornography Cases that subpoenas and other investigative actions were taking place after subpoenas were issued.

In most cases, the suspects were being notified of the investigative activities on their accounts allowing them the opportunity to destroy evidence and in many cases, putting child victim’s lives at greater risk.

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After discovering the issue, the members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crime’s Unit partnered with local business CFO, Tom Darnell of Community Champions to develop and pass legislation that prohibits internet providers from immediately notifying suspects in these types of cases.

The measure passed both the Senate and the House and the new law takes effect October 1.

There is no way to put a number on the amount of children’s lives the Agents have saved and protected by their actions and commitment to protecting children. I am extremely proud of each of them for everything they do each and every day of their lives to protect the lives of our most precious of citizens, our children.

Please join me in congratulating them for their awards and in thanking them for all they do to protect our children.

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

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