Police, FBI Warn of Child Porn Video Link on Facebook, Renew Search for 'John Doe 8'

By Paul Singley

Area police department have been receiving complaints from folks who found child pornography on Facebook.

One in Naugatuck was filed March 21, when a woman advised officers that while she was scrolling through her Facebook news feed, she found a post that stated "watch this if you are curious." When she opened it, she found a post containing footage of a small child involved in a sex act."

The case has been referred to the FBI, which is investigating the incident. Naugatuck Police said the FBI advised them that they had received numerous complaints of this feed from all over the United States.

In fact, The Independent reports, "Internet users today vented their fury on rival social network Twitter after the video — that those who have seen it claim showed a young girl being abused by an older man — was shared over 16,000 times and received almost 4,000 'likes'."

Dallas News reports the link is years old and police have been searching for "John Doe 8" for quite a while. "The FBI says the video is at least 7 years old and has been spread around the Internet off and on for years. The viral video has been posted on social media sites before this week, but the latest resurfacing led to new local law enforcement investigations across the world, including in Dallas, according to authorities."

According to an email sent to parents by Farmington Superintendent Kathleen C. Greider on March 23, "The Farmington Police have learned that a virus in the form of a disturbing pornographic video involving a young child is attacking Facebook and has been received by some FHS students on their personal Facebook accounts."

When Simsbury Superintendent Matt Curtis became aware of the virus he immediately contacted the Simsbury Police Department.

Simsbury Police and school officials sent an email notification to parents shortly after learning about the virus notifying them of the graphic video cirulating in Farmington.

Middletown Superintendent of Schools Patricia Charles says she is on the alert but hasn't been notified by parents. "I have not heard of any complaints, but I will check with the police department to see if they are aware."

Attorney General George Jepsen today issued the following statement on a malicious video circulating on the social media site Facebook that has prompted warnings in several Connecticut communities: 

“My office has been in contact with Facebook about this video and the local reports that it has surfaced in Connecticut. Facebook has been very responsive to our requests for information and is working directly with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this matter. The FBI has been aware of this particular video since 2005 and is seeking information on the unknown suspect. Anyone with information can contact an FBI investigator by email at RescueMe@ic.fbi.gov.

“I have asked Facebook for a report on its efforts to remove the video and have been told that it has taken the necessary steps to remove this video from its site. Facebook should be diligent in that regard.  Facebook has advised that, contrary to some reports, the video is not a virus, but is being spread through views and shares. If you see a suspicious video link in your newsfeed or on your timeline, do not view or share it. Report it to Facebook immediately, and delete it.”

Police remind citizens that anyone who observes these posts should immediately report them to police.