Press Release: Utah National Guard Member Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
LEHI, Utah (KUTV) — Derek Michael Whitney, a 43-year-old member of the Utah National Guard with a Top-Secret Security Clearance, has been arrested on multiple charges of child sexual abuse. Whitney faces serious allegations including first-degree felony sodomy on a minor and second-degree felony enticing a child.
Between May 5 and May 20, FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force officials discovered Whitney’s online conversations revealing his intent to engage in illicit activities with an eight-year-old boy, including sexual abuse. According to an affidavit, Whitney expressed a desire for both himself and the child’s father to participate in the abuse.
Law enforcement set up surveillance at a designated meeting spot in Lehi, where Whitney was apprehended in possession of the device he used to initiate the solicitation. The affidavit states that Whitney’s actions, combined with his military background, suggest he poses a severe risk to children and overall public safety.
Whitney has been booked into the Utah County Jail as the investigation continues. Authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
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