On March 26th, 2025, investigators arrested an off-duty police officer at his own station in Outagamie County, Wisconsin on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. Three legal issues define this case. The lawfulness of the arrest itself, Miranda compliance during the custodial interview, and the scope of the search warrant. >> This is Officer Meyer. This is Officer Colburn with Kaukauna Police Department. We just need to talk to you for a little bit, okay? >> Okay. >> About an investigation that we have. These guys are going to talk you through a couple of things and we'll get you going in the right direction, okay? >> Okay. >> All right. So, just we want your compliance. Can you just put your hands out to the side? Perfect. >> Excellent. >> All right. Just so you know, we have a vehicle outside, okay? >> All right. And then we'll give you the >> Give us a call. >> Okay. When I just take it off and set it right on the ground right now. Do you have any weapons on you at all? >> No. No, man. There's nothing. >> You want to just take your belt keepers off and pop your belt off. The keys that are on your duty belt there, are those the keys for your car and your home or those just for your squad car? >> They're for the squad car. >> Do you have anything else in your pocket? I'm not going to reach for anything, but >> I have gloves in this pocket. >> Okay. We're just going to take those off and set them on the mat, okay? >> Yeah. And then there should be a zipper. Is there a zipper inside there? >> Yeah. >> Do you have an off-duty carry or secondary handgun either in your vest or on your ankles? >> Okay. >> We'll explain a little bit more here. >> Yeah, I know. >> I just want Yep. I know you're nervous, but we'll get you through this, okay? >> Yeah. I have to keep on >> All right. >> We'll explain it all to you later, but >> All right. >> We're just going to have you stand right over there. >> All right. Behind the two squads here. >> All right. So, we want to let you know we have a lot of a lot of questions, but but just for you know, kind of out of out of the for your safety, for our safety. >> Um >> We are going to explain it all here in a second, all right? >> Yeah. Have a seat, take a load off. You know um probably >> You're going to be really cooperative, we know that, but we just got protocol that we got to follow, okay, guys? >> You said keep us safe, right? Seems like I'm getting arrested and losing my job and everything at home, so there's a lot of things going through my mind right now. >> Plus our reputation here with Network People. >> Yeah. >> So, we're going to try to keep that as quiet as possible. >> So, I'll give us 20 minutes to see here, buddy. >> Um All right, Owen. So, kind of take us in stages, all right, buddy? >> Um >> Just take some deep breaths. We're just looking for some cooperation here. So, this is part of >> I'm I'm Lucas Meyer, I'm an officer with Kaukauna Police Department. This is Officer Matt Kohl, he's with Kaukauna PD. Um that's Lieutenant Cory Krieger, he's with Kaukauna PD. Um this is it's part of it obviously an investigation, Owen. Looking for some cooperation here, bud. Um I guess to start with at this point, um where is your phone? >> It's inside in my locker. >> In your locker? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You got them? >> All right. And are your like house keys and and truck key or >> Ev- everything's in my locker. >> Everything's in your locker, okay. >> I mean, am I getting arrested? >> So, right now, Owen, you are being detained. Um you're you're not free to leave. >> Okay. I'm guessing I'm going home, not working anymore. >> Yeah, so >> start applying for new ones? >> We >> That's so that's obviously not our decisions to be made, right? >> Yeah. This is nothing to do with Nina PD. >> Okay. >> Nothing to do with Nina PD. >> [snorts] >> And and Lucas will will speak to you um later. We just have to really figure out some things and and get some questions answered, but obviously that a van outside of of your place of employment is not where we'd like to do that. Okay? Um so before we get into the the thick of exactly what's going on, we'd like to just get some things in place like like Lucas said, we want to try and get, you know, some of your personal belongings and and bring them with us. >> Okay. >> Okay? Um and then the plan is to to go to our police department in Kaukauna and kind of get away from this immediate area and then we can have the conversation there. So I know it's not going to answer your questions and and get you things figured out, but it'll just be a lot easier and smoother for us to just kind of go about it that way. >> You guys You guys bring me back afterwards? >> Yeah, we can >> step at a time. One one step at a time. >> Okay, so I'll be going into jail from what it sounds like. We're going to >> So just yeah, a few few more things out here I want and um Yeah, but we we just at this point now one one step at a time. Um we have some other kind of investigators inside now um and >> So So obviously you know how a lot of this stuff works. So I you know, I like to be open and honest, but we still got to figure things out before anything is determined. Okay? >> Can I be told what's being >> So I yeah, you probably have a thousand questions. >> Yeah. >> Right? Um and you know, again like you know how this goes. We obviously 100% we want to have those conversations with you. Kind of let you [clears throat] shed some light on a few things for us as well. But again, one step at a time. So right now >> I'm going to If we have to go to your PD >> Yeah, I think just just for your sake, Owen, right get out of here and >> If if I I guess if I'm coming back here, will you guys bring me back? Cuz I have no other >> Yeah, we're not we're we're not going to leave you We're not going to leave you high and dry. We We're going to work with you. Like like Lucas said, we're hoping to get your cooperation and help shed some light. Excuse me. Um, kind of the information that that was presented to us. And then from there we'll we'll kind of figure everything out and and get things turned out all right then. >> Like you guys have said, let's [sighs] let's go in through the head. >> For sure. For sure. >> I'm extremely confused. >> No, and we hope to fill in all those gaps and if it had hold you can fill some gaps in for us as well. >> Yeah, I can try. >> We'll we'll get there. Get there. One step at a time here. >> Yeah. I mean, obviously three coworkers seeing >> I apologize about that. >> I I I know you guys can't control it, but it's going to ruin a lot of things here. So >> Yeah, the timing that couldn't have gone any worse. And I do honestly sincerely apologize that >> Like you guys can't control it, but >> All right, Owen, so kind of next step here. So, before we leave, so we do have a search warrant for your phone. Okay? Um, part of that search warrant, Owen, we can compel what's called biometrics. Okay? >> So, right now am I going to jail today? >> Honestly >> And so if I can you're going to understand a lot more of this than than most people do. >> It's a possibility. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> I'm not going to lie to you. I mean, you're being detained right now. We're we're really hoping that you can just assist in and shed some lights on things [snorts] and we can figure some of this stuff out. And then we'll cross that bridge. >> Yeah, I'll do what I can, but >> Okay. >> Yep. >> And just so you're aware, so um there's going to be another um investigator that we're working with that's going to kind of take my spot. >> Okay. >> His name is Eric Bolland. Um and he'll introduce himself. I I think he's going to kind of literally take my spot here in the van. Um and then Lucas and Eric will >> Okay. >> I hate to I don't think any shot you guys can get me like a water or something. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah, super. >> Yeah, we can run in here you up with absolutely PD. We we have water here for sure. I think this is Eric here. And assuming he comes in here, I can see if I can get you that water now. >> There's no rush. It doesn't have to be inconvenient, but >> No, I I got it. >> Mouth dries up quick. >> Yep, no worries. Yeah, this is Eric. His name's Eric Bolland. >> Okay. Hey. >> Hey. I already kind of um introduced you or who you are and that you're going to be taking my spot here, so um Owen at least knows that that's that's the plan. Um he's asking for a bottle of water. I'm going to see if I can't get him one here. >> Sure. >> Um well, that's for you. So, I'm not sure how quick you guys are hoping to leave, but that's kind of where we're at. >> Okay. >> Um so, I'll hop out and grab my stuff out of here. >> turn the van on and get it warm in here. Hey Owen, my name's Eric Bolland. I work for DCI. >> Okay. >> I'll show you my credentials here. So, I'll just tell you Owen, I haven't drawn any conclusions about this. I'm kind of like a third party in here, but >> Okay. >> we collectively have a lot of questions for you and there's a lot of unanswered questions that we're hoping that you might shed shed some light on. Okay? >> So, obviously you're much much younger than I am, so people your age probably have a lot more social media accounts than I may have, so what would I have heard of people having like a well, like a Reddit account? Do you have a Reddit account? >> I might. It probably be I >> [snorts] >> I know I've been on it. >> Okay. What's your username on Reddit? >> Yeah, I don't know if I've made an >> account on Reddit? >> Um I don't know what the username would be. >> Okay. >> That I apologize. >> And I'm just throwing stuff out there so that when we look at your phone a little later, kind of confirm what you're telling us here so we know what we're looking for. >> Right. Right. >> So other popular apps may be like Discord. >> I don't think so. I might have had it installed for like a day or two on it. >> Would that be on your phone? >> No. It would have been installed on that phone, but it wouldn't be >> You haven't used it at all? >> No. >> Okay. >> No. Like Discord and I think or like Reddit. Um >> [clears throat] >> Like do a Google search for something Reddit does reviews so it'd be on there. >> Okay. Um trying to think of some other program. >> Yeah. >> Do you have a Telegram account? >> Yeah. >> Tell me about that. >> Um I don't know the username. I think it's under my email or phone number. >> Okay. >> Um Yeah. >> What do you use that account for? >> Probably stuff I shouldn't. >> Okay. >> Um I just honestly here Um It's used to keep pictures of females that are not my girlfriend. >> Okay. >> Um I saw the the ICAC thing on your phone there so Um I assume it's in relation to that. >> Yeah, and I can fill you in on that. I'm going to since you brought it up. So it has to do with electronics and phones and internet activity. Okay. I think we both know you know, what some of this is about, but it has to do with your online activity. >> Okay. >> Okay, so we're trying to get to the bottom of it just to make sure there's we're on the same page. If you have some type of explanation or reasoning or rationale about it, you know, like some of my concerns is the reason that we get involved in this is um you know, like make sure that these things there's not production cases, you know, sex extortion >> Right. >> you know, essentially exploiting kids, things like that. >> Yeah, I can I mean >> If if there's like things that are on your phone that's just merely just images or videos, >> Yeah. >> that's one thing, but my major focus here is one of my main main concerns is that this isn't being produced somewhere you have access to kids, you're selling stuff, you're victimized, things like that. Okay. >> Um >> So, with that being said is I think we're on the same page and we can fill [clears throat] in some of the details on how we got to this point, but if if there's stuff that's on your phone that's like you just acknowledged that probably you shouldn't have, let's just get that out of the way and then we'll slowly just chip away at how we got to this point here. >> Yeah, there's nothing like nothing inherently I know that is like in I guess child. >> Okay. >> Right? Like if I I I hate this is being recorded probably open records for my girlfriend to look at or that but >> We're just trying to get to the bottom of this and answer some questions and kind of fill in some of these gaps. >> I know it's >> I'm not going to be telling your girlfriend any of this stuff, so that's going to be a conversation that you may have with her at some point, but you understand what some of the concerns are when we deal with kids. >> I I understand. >> And with ICAC, Internet Crimes Against Children is for me that's [clears throat] one of my major concerns. >> Oh, yeah. >> Um but we come across other instances as well. We want to make sure that kids like locally aren't being victimized, sex extorted, exploited, things like that. But I don't think we're dealing with that type of situation here. >> No. >> It might just be it sounds like it might just be might look at some stuff, review some stuff, share some stuff. So, I personally, like I don't want to make make a good face here, but like the kids and whatnot, I don't like that's a concern for me, too. >> Okay. >> Um so, I'm sure you guys are well aware of kind of what's been going on. Um so, well, there's >> I I haven't been making any assumptions here, and I'm not here to judge anything. So, like this is the first time I met you. >> Yeah. >> Um the only thing that I, or I think Lucas knows, is just what we've been provided by some of these social media companies. So, it's our job to follow up and try to get to the bottom of this and make sure that this stops. And that this has been >> [clears throat] >> um escalated to like the next level here. >> No. Um >> So, when you refer to like what's, you know, I'm sure you know what's going on, what is that referring to? >> Um So, like if you it's a website called Mega. >> Okay. >> And they have links that people have created on there. >> Mhm. >> Um and on those links, there's different like pornographic videos and pictures and whatnot. >> Mhm. >> Um and then, I know there's links out there that are of underage people. >> Mhm. >> And I'm not going to lie, like when you get sent the link, I'm probably going to get myself in a load of crap here, but when you get the link, it doesn't say what's on it. So, if you search it, you don't know what's going to be next. >> Okay. >> So, like when I do that, if I go to search it and then see like the underage, like close out of it and and move on. I don't report it. I don't do anything. I probably should. >> Okay. >> But I I don't report it or anything. >> Okay. >> I just close out of it and don't go back in. >> Okay. >> Um it's I know we're on kind of different wavelengths here about the kids and stuff is a concern of mine, too. It's not something I like like I don't like seeing kids like that. >> Sure. >> Um so I try to keep everything like at a legal Okay. legal age. >> Sure. >> Um >> So I'm familiar with familiar with mega and I'm and I'm familiar with what you're referencing as the links. So you receive links or you search links on mega, you click on them. >> Mhm. >> And what type of content are you looking for when you're searching for these links? >> It's probably going to sound messed up, but like I guess when I'm looking for something it's stuff that's not like easily accessible, I guess. >> Okay. >> Like not your normal Google search on whatever website. >> Okay. >> Um >> What would be an example of a search term that you type in? >> Well, I I guess I don't type it in, but like I don't know. I guess it's probably weird, but nothing that I haven't heard. It's like out in public. Like at a beach or something. >> Okay. >> Like something like that, I guess. >> Okay. >> Um And then they're going to get like the links will have like that on it. >> Okay. They'll have what on it? >> Like that. People on a beach having intercourse. >> You don't want porn here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um So I guess like with I guess with that like if say I'm looking for that and then this link is there and you go to hit search. Excuse me. Um And then like it might be a underage video, so then if I would see that, I would click out of it. >> Okay. >> Um just kind of I don't not pay any attention to it. >> When you talk about underage videos, so we're on the same page, so I'm I'm hearing you correctly, you're you're talking about maybe a child that's engaged in a sex act or that's without their clothes on, sexually provocative position. >> I I it's not intentional. >> Sure. So, you've seen some of those on those links. >> Unfortunately, yeah. >> Okay. When's the last time you've seen something like that on those links? >> I don't know. It's been quite some time. I haven't really been using >> Like within the last week or two? >> Probably within two. >> Within two weeks? >> Two or so, yeah. >> And are you using your phone? >> Yeah. >> Um how many images or videos is your phone going to show that you accessed since let's say Christmas? Oh, probably content similar to that. >> I guess. I don't know exactly how much shows. >> Okay. >> Like for access-wise, you know, I've clicked on. >> When you're clicking on stuff on your phone, the case is going to make a record, right? >> Mhm. >> Um and I'm just trying to get a ballpark here idea of how much content you're involved with here. So, let's say I'm just trying to use the benchmark as Christmas or the first of the year. Let's say the first of the year. So, it's about 3 months. And your phone's going to have a record, and I'm looking to just for honesty in here of how much time we have to dedicate to this, right? You know, record of the links and the videos that you're accessing here that you're viewing. Right? >> I guess. >> Is this going to show? You tell me. >> I don't know. Ballpark, maybe like 30 or so links being clicked on. >> 30 links? >> Like would that be like the links? Yeah. >> Okay. >> Since then is probably a rough ballpark guess. I mean, sometimes it's one, and sometimes that's looking for others. >> Okay. So, sometimes this link might have one image, right? >> Right. >> Or it might have as many as how many? >> I don't know, like 300. >> Okay. And 300 images of children? >> Not Not that I know of. >> Okay. So, let's just >> I guess >> narrow down here. About 30 links? >> Yeah. >> And some of those links that you'd said >> They might >> on may contain children? >> They might, but not >> But not all of them are? >> Right. >> So, within the since the first of the year, how many images or videos of children with their clothes on have you seen this first of year? Just ball park. >> I guess I don't >> More than 10? >> Probably. More than 20? Let's see. 20 20 or so. >> 20 or so? >> Yeah. >> What's the last image that you remember? What does one of those images show of or video show? >> I don't I guess like I said, I don't haven't really clicked into them and watched a lot, but um I guess there was one I've seen before where it's >> [clears throat] >> girl and she's using a dildo. >> Okay. >> Um >> Is it a video? >> Yeah. >> How long is the video of the girl? >> Um not sure. >> And does the girl have her clothes on, clothes off, or something different? Clothes off? And does she Does it look to be like What's the setting there? In a bedroom, a bathroom, or a bedroom? In a bathroom? So, the girl's got a a video and how old do you think the girl is? >> I don't thought she was 18 or so. >> Okay. We're just talking about images or videos of of kids under the age of 18. >> That one, she's And she's probably close to I guess I've seen like that one on the link it shows like a when you click into it after you search it and it shows all the videos it has like a you know, a still image of what's in it. >> Okay. All right. >> Um and I that one stands out cuz I've seen it in more than one different link before. She's probably like 16 17 I would say. >> Okay. All right. >> [snorts] >> Well, let's work back the other way then. I mean so give me an idea of of like some of these links that have images or videos. Let's say since the first of the year, how many children or I should say how many how many infants or do you think have been in some of these images or videos? >> I don't not many. Like I've No, I try to click out of once I see it. >> Not many mean less than >> Probably less than like 10 or so. >> Less than 10. >> 15, yeah. >> Okay. Let's go a little bit up above that. How about like after infant would be like toddlers, you know, in that 2 to 6 year old range? >> Yeah, I guess same kind of thing. >> So, less than 10. >> Yeah, cuz I just right away click out. >> And would those be uh videos as well? >> Yeah. >> And usually is it boys, girls, both? >> Both. >> Involved in some type of sex act. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, we got infants, we got toddlers, and then that age group of let's say above seven or eight like the little like the pre-pubescent, I might call it. You know, like just before they hit puberty. Within the last since the first of the year, about how many of those videos have you seen? >> Yes, what do you mean by seen? Like >> Or that you were involved in or that I had >> Yeah, that one I don't >> Regardless of how you access them or or send them, whether it's through Kik, Telegram, or a or a mega link. >> Do you mean like that I clicked in and watched or just saw like the still shot? Scrolling through for >> Let's say that you clicked in and watched. >> Clicked in for that age, I don't think. >> Any Okay. But you have clicked in and watched infants and toddlers. >> No. >> You just you've seen them >> You've seen them. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah, and then once I see that, I click out. >> Okay. All right. You ever put anything on the thumb drive or any other storage device? >> No. >> Nothing like that. Okay, so my partner is calling over to one of my other partners who has their phone and we can try to work on accessing the Telegram account, accessing the Kik account, things like that. Okay? You good with going through some of this stuff? >> Sure. >> I mean This trace breaks it down by individual user, who you're having chat conversations with. >> And I And I know none of these people. >> Okay. But this goes back to Kik here. >> Mhm. >> I mean, instead of being in the group setting on one big message, it's kind of breaks it down. >> Okay. >> You ask, "What do you got?" This person says, "I got CP link, rape link, and so many types of links. What do you want?" So, "Hey, you like prefer to trade?" "Why?" "I got good stuff at a cheap price." "Just don't want to spend money on it for not to work." I mean, you talk about it's actually working, that you've been burned before. >> Mhm. >> "If you send for free." >> [snorts] >> This person said, "All right." >> In that conversation um that you're familiar with, you can see it in that in that conversation is when the video of So, when you send the video of the um solo girl is >> Okay. Okay. This one starts out with um board fun one {underscore} CBR. You trade vids, yeah. You say send it then I send. You say send a bunch then I'll send a bunch. That person says, "Your turn to send first." You say, "I don't send one for one, takes too much time. You going to send or no? If I send, you send more." They say, "You have any gay CP though?" >> Mhm. >> What does that mean? >> Like gay child porn. >> Yeah. And you say, "Yeah, if you send me more videos." >> All right, but that wasn't I was lying to him then. I didn't have any, just wanted him to send me one. >> Okay. Do you recall that that specific conversation or are you just saying in general? >> No, that's normally how it goes. Um >> They say, "Send me a video first." You say, "Send more than one at a time now." Which implies that you were sent videos. >> I guess I don't recall that >> say, "Yeah, if you send more videos." Like my interpretation is that you received some videos and now you want more. >> Yeah, like I I don't recall that specific >> Yeah, I I'm not sure in that one specifically. >> But what I want to get specifics about is then send more than one at a time now. That's what you say. He says or she, whoever it is you're talking to, "Has got any boys?" And you say, "Send in more girl." >> Yeah, I guess I'm not exactly like >> Which sitting on this side of it, it looks like you have links and you're sending girl, he's asking for boy and you're sending girl. Is that a fair interpretation? >> said like on that side of it, Yeah, okay. I think I guess from the flip side of it, like I guess I'm not sure if anything was sent here in this one or not. >> Right. >> Um I know there's times when I've claimed to have something that I didn't um trying to get something. >> Okay. Talking about some exchanging links. >> Mhm. >> This person says, "I only do links in specific." And then you say, "And send links and I'll send some links back." This person uh written 091 _2KR. "Are you interested in buying a hot girl CP and mega link 600 GB boy link 250 GB 4-year-old _19-year-old, what age do you prefer?" You say, "Preview." They say, "Are you interested?" You say, "How do I know it plays?" He says, "Trust me, it plays. I'm not here to fool or hurt anyone. I give you what your money's worth. The link is just $20. Can you afford it?" You say, "Too much money." "My cheapest link is 10 and it has 200 videos in it. Okay?" Like engaging that conversation like after they say >> After they say the age of it. >> Yeah, I mean it's very clear here. >> Right. >> "Are you interested in buying a hot girl CP >> Mhm. >> and mega link 600 GB boy link 5 350 GB 4-year-old _19-year-old, what age do you prefer?" Then you guys are talking about how to acquire it. >> Right. >> I mean that's Yeah. >> No, I I I get what you're saying. >> Like if if that's not of interest to you, like a reasonable person would expect to say no. Well, this conversation is done or you just exit out of it. If you continue to engage, you're asking for how how do I know it plays? Send me a preview. No, it's too much money. It's not. >> It's not. No. >> I I don't look at I don't want any of the children stuff. It's Does it play and it's too much money? >> Yeah. >> Here's this person I can't even say the name. Starts with S H C C I D. Does that ring a bell? >> No. I don't I don't like the name. I just >> Right. See on this >> You say, "Do you trade?" This person says, "Yes. Young mega. Send to receive. You send then I send. Send to receive." You say, "I've been burned too many times by this, especially by new accounts with no profile." He says, "Look, man. You DM'd me." I assume he's direct messaged. >> Yeah. >> "Me, too. So, send to receive. I'm just trying to trade." And it goes back and forth with further conversation. "If you're not serious, then goodbye." There's There's another one. Someone says, "Hello, babe." You're like, "Howdy. What content you want?" You say, "What do you got?" This person says, "I have throat, [ __ ] lesbian sisters, gay brothers, solo girl, solo boy, father and daughter, mother and daughter, father and son. Which of them you want?" Lesbian sister. He says or she says, "Age range?" Question mark. And these are from June 9th and June 10th. I mean, the chat just >> Mhm. >> They keep on going on and on. >> Yeah. That's >> Probably Is that pretty characteristic of how it went? >> I'd say so. >> Can you see that when the conversations are surrounding when you talk with 4-year-olds and 19-year-olds and you continue to engage in that conversation? >> I feel that's problematic. >> You see how it's our obligation to try to look into this and be like, >> Right. >> "Why is this interest level here?" >> Yeah. I guess >> Like >> My intent wasn't to get the like 4-year-old. It was more like the 19 area section. >> But you know you're going to I mean, when I say this, this girl and boy mega links, young mega links, and I have folder 4-year-olds and 19-year-olds. >> I mean, there's going to show on there that >> There's a 99% chance it's all going to have children sex like explicit videos or or images, right? I mean, that's what >> Yeah. >> From the outside looking in without >> Right. >> Is there anything else we're missing here? I mean, we've talked about a lot of stuff. Like I said, you've been super helpful in helping us understand where this is going and what's kind of the things that you're into. Is one of those interests like flat out just younger children? >> No. No, I'd say the interest, like I said, is like that 18 19 Okay. Obviously, you saw the ones that were sent. >> Yep. >> Um there's no kind of that happened. Um I know it's not going to happen again. >> Okay. >> Um and I know I've big changes and Yeah, probably some stuff to work through there. Like it almost, sorry. >> You okay? It almost seems like an addiction of some sort that I need >> And that very well may be. >> help with. >> That very well may be. >> And more than willing to go seek that out. >> Mhm. >> But I'm not I don't harm any kids. I don't don't do anything like that. >> Okay. >> Um like we said, we know where things are at. >> Yep. Well, I hope you don't take offense to me asking these questions because look, without some type of explanation, which you're willing to provide, it leaves those questions like what is what really are his interests, you know? Where is this going? Where is he coming, you know? Like what's his intention here? What is he doing with this stuff here? >> I got you. >> But so it's our obligation to kind of follow through on this stuff. >> Yeah. Like I guess like the period of time I stopped was when I'm I was fine. It's not an issue >> Okay. >> for me, but then it's Yes, I don't know what reason, but comes back and I just >> Okay. >> I said it's almost like an addiction of some sort that >> Mhm. >> Like I'm I'm more than willing to go and >> Mhm. >> work through it with somebody, get help, but >> We do a lot of these types of cases. What you're telling me here, is all stuff that I've heard before. It So, you're not alone in that. It's just That type of thing is very real. >> Just how do I tell my family >> Right. Well, one step at a time here, right? So, we're trying to get all these loopholes closed here and try to get as much information as we can so we can >> [clears throat] >> so I can be rest assured to these social media companies and some of these other investigators like Nope. I mean, this content is staying here. It seems like he's seeking it out. I'm hoping what you're telling me is accurate. We're not going to find anything on your devices. >> I think I told uh my Lucas yet my Lucas And uh in Telegram, there's going to be some mega links in there along with the other stuff we've talked about. Okay. Like I said, it's I don't sit there. I'm not like, "Is this person of age?" Um but it's Um As as far as I know, the links on there are all going to be I guess legal age. >> Okay. >> videos. >> It's all going to be adult in those links. >> As far as I know. >> Okay. And what's the reason you keep those links? Because they're easily >> It's easy for me to >> trade >> easy Not Not trade, just easy to get to. Once I got those, I got those probably like a month or so ago. >> Okay. >> Um and the trading stopped. >> Got it. >> Um >> Okay. >> I guess that's just my homework to do. Hopefully, I can >> Yeah. >> get home tonight and start start working on it. >> Well, it's one step at a time here, right? You know, and I think this is like this is a big first step here, right? Realizing that there is an issue here and some of this stuff is >> Yeah, there's >> You're walking a fine line here, right? >> Yeah. >> You know, it's >> It's just how language is. No emotional moment like walking in and seeing them. Yeah. And then having this I mean, Like I said, I know it's messed up. I know it's not right. >> Tell me this, when you're you're an officer with Nina PD [clears throat] and engaging in this stuff, I mean, would it feel conflicting? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's like I'm supposed to be this standard, and I'm doing this horrible stuff on the back end. >> I'll tell you this, Owen, like I said, I mean, [snorts] I have a lot of respect for you for like, I think making this next step, you know, taking some responsibility. I mean, like, a lot of people like jerk us around, right? I mean, even though we have a lot of the evidence here and everything points towards you, I appreciate the fact that you're saving us some time and saving us some work here and and acknowledging that you may have an addiction, you may have a problem here. And I'm I've been doing this a long time, and this is what I firmly believe is that you can overcome this, but there's two things, okay? It's time and distance, okay? So, it's going to take some time to get over this, right? It's not going to happen overnight. But, then distancing yourself from that as well. And the more distance that you can have from this type of activity, >> [snorts] >> and the more [clears throat] time that expires, like, you will get things will swing your way again. I mean, this is not the end of the world. We all make mistakes, okay? Um >> Can we work on a plan? >> What's that? >> Can like we talk about like a plan where that doesn't involve me going into jail, [clears throat] so we can go through work through something together? >> What are your suggestions? >> I don't know if you would like I'll delete I'll delete all the accounts. Um I I wipe everything. >> Yeah, you know. Um That's some of the stuff it's going to take. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> going to wipe everything. Obviously, like I would so like keep like I don't mean the pornographic pictures of like my girlfriend and I, but like pictures of us together or dirty bodies and whatnot. >> Mhm. >> I don't know. Well, I mean, find phone once a week or whatever and see where things are at. I think if we if we can come up to a plan, my my biggest thing, I guess, is one, going home tonight. >> Mhm. >> And two, stopping. And I will. And I know I can. I've done it for periods of time. >> Okay. >> And I think I think I just need somebody to help me, whether it's going to be you or whether it's going to be you know, I like I don't know if I'll still be at Lena PD or not, but I don't prob- probably not. But I can face the facts. >> Yeah, I I don't know that one. >> Um, but [sighs] I can like I we have our therapist there. I can confide in her. And I can say to call you weekly with updates and see where things are at or you can talk with her. And I can give you access to Right. >> to my phone and monitor. >> Is that Is that something we can I mean, it's definitely something we can talk about. I'm helping out Kokomo PD here. Some of this stuff is outside of my control. Um, however, I like the way that you're thinking here. Like this is like this is like the dead end right here. Like you have to turn this around somewhere. And I mean, and that type of talk >> I see you. >> It it has has got to Sometimes you got to like sink before you can >> Right. And this rock [clears throat] bottom here. >> Yeah. >> You know, um so that's a lesson learned the hard way. >> But >> I think >> I like that thought process. I think that's a step in the right direction. >> [clears throat] >> Um, like I said, some of the things are out of my control yet. And this is nothing against you, right? I like it. I mean, I like that thought process that you're willing to turn things around. You're willing to to to put yourself in uncomfortable spots, you're willing to do whatever it is you can to to try to distance yourself from this like we talked about it. Um I just don't want any of this hanging over your head in the meantime cuz if we're coming back like a week from now or 2 weeks from now and revisiting you, we're not putting time and distance between some of this stuff. >> No, I mean I I would like to get it squared away, but I would like to get it squared away and be in my bed tonight. >> I understand. I understand. One step at a time. >> I know. One step at a time. >> I know, but you got to know I don't see some sort of like a say like probation or whatever period would be at that point. Right. Is that an ideal given? >> And some of those decisions though, Lucas, we don't have any control over. You know what I mean? I mean, you're a smart guy, right? It's just I think your mind is in the right spot. >> Absolutely. >> I think this is a definitely a step in the right direction for you like >> I think I just need you guys to Obviously it's out of your control, but I need you guys to help me out here as well. >> I will do whatever I can to try to help you. >> He knows He knows he messed up. He wants to get help, wants to get better. But I'm And it's probably not the first time you heard this, but going to a jail cell I don't think it's the way to way to do that. I think that's just going to change change me as a person. >> Right. >> You know, I don't think. >> Yeah. I don't know where this is going at all. >> I know. I know. >> Cuz like I said, I'm trying to buy a little bit of time here yet while we get your phone downloaded and then kind of corroborate all of the things that you're telling me. >> Yeah. >> I want to believe you. >> I know. >> And I think I I should believe you. >> Yeah. >> But for the integrity investigation, we just want to corroborate some things and make sure that everything's in place before we make any type of conclusion or decision. >> I I get it. >> Is that fair? >> Yeah. >> And that's straight up man-to-man. I mean, that's just I'm not I'm not pulling the wool over your eyes. I'm not >> I I get it. I I know. >> of BS to you or anything. That's just where we're at. >> No, I know I was saying though it's messed up and need to do better. Anything else that we're forgetting to ask you here or anything that like sheds the light on how we got to this point, unanswered questions? >> I guess do you have any unanswered questions? >> Um I mean I'd have to meet with you know who this is and um kind of go through it. I mean like I said there's a lot of information here. We have a lot of information on social media companies and we're just going to corroborate everything. I mean we're going to explore we have to explore some of those mega links. >> Right. >> Um you know, I don't know what kind of stuff will be in there. I don't know what's going to come out of that. Um I haven't heard back from my partner with the uh >> [clears throat] >> the phone extraction what's all on your phone or what's on your other phone. So for me there's a lot of answer unanswered questions about the actual content of what's on your phone and some of your devices. >> Okay. >> I think you've done um a pretty good job of from your recollection of trying to remember what's on those devices. We're just looking to confirm that. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I guess how can I I want to help you guys out so you guys can help me out. >> Right. So um yeah, I mean I think at the end of the day though, I mean we did get a lot of questions answered. >> Mhm. >> Um I mean I think we've established you know like some of your habits here might be considered somewhat of an addiction. You're addicted to some of the >> And if I could give me an opportunity here to try and >> What's that? >> Can I get an opportunity here to try and help myself out with that like so that I'm not >> Lucas is going to we're [clears throat] going to like step out and Lucas is going to talk to his boss cuz this is Kekaha PD's uh case here. Um but at the minimum though, I think we've established for sure that obviously you have an interest and you've looked at child at a very minimum, right? We've established that. >> It's a looked at it, yeah. >> Okay. Uploaded it. Whatever, associated with your social media accounts, inquired about it. >> Mhm. >> Traded links with it. Anything like that. Okay? We still have some evidence to explore. So, those are some decisions that you're going to have Okay? >> Yes. >> So, those types of uh those types of incidences, like we've talked about, are very serious, right? I mean >> Yeah. >> I don't have to explain that to anybody else. You understand that that's serious stuff. >> Mhm. >> Um you know, Lucas is going to talk to his boss. I don't know how many other options there are, but he can definitely talk to his boss. Um yeah. So, with that being said, he's going to go talk to his boss. Um I'm going to just end like end this interview here. You like Do you have anything else to add here, Lucas? >> No, I don't think so, unless you think we're missing something, but otherwise no. Um this time um we are going to put put handcuffs back on you. We are going to going to transfer you to the Ogden Police Jail, where you'll be booked on two counts of possession of child In the meantime, once we're getting those answers, we'll talk to you I don't think so. No. >> No. >> He's said from the start he couldn't avoid it. >> We'll talk to you in a minute. So, help >> I didn't No, I wasn't a part of the interview at all on, but I think Yeah, from the beginning I'll I'll maintain that you know, >> I would say there's always a chance depending on how things shake out and you know, cuz the information that's provided and how we're going to proceed. Cuz we didn't know all the information. >> I mean we we we knew a lot. >> I was here. So I guess I'll I'll ask right right away. Are you aware of anything going on? Nothing that I doesn't know. Do you have a Have you been on social media or anything? >> I didn't see anything on social media at all. >> Okay. All right. I'm glad and I'll I'll explain all of that. So Um so earlier this morning um our agency along with the assistance of the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation kind of like their state version of that does some serious investigations um involving um specific investigation having to do with some inappropriate internet activity. Um so just knowing that and obviously since our agency handled the investigation um the initial tip that came to our agency um came from like a I'll just use the word like a federal um entity called um NCMEC and and ICAC. NCMEC stands for the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Exploited Children and um ICAC stands for Internet Crimes Against Children. Um there's federal policies that are in place that certain um any like company that's on the online, any social media, any internet communication um entity has to report certain things um to the government. And then those tips kind of get weeded out um and then we investigate to figure out where where it's coming to. Um and the tip specifically came back to to your address. Okay? So, just before I really get into the how things shook out and where where everything's at, um who would who is your internet provider at at home? >> Spectrum. >> Spectrum, and then who's like whose name is it in? >> Uh might be in my ex-husband's name. >> And who is that? >> Craig Hall. >> Craig. Do you know like what email if there's an email associated with that account? >> Yeah, he doesn't live there. >> He doesn't live there? >> No, he hasn't lived there in like 5 years. >> Craig Hall, Craig? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, and no one lives there either. >> Correct. Um and I and I can kind of go down that avenue. I just want to know >> want to make sure that you guys know. >> Um and I guess what about like cell phones in the house? And I know that so we know that Owen lived um at home through like pretty much through summers at about Correct? Or when when do you >> I don't remember exactly when he moved out. I don't >> It'd be 6 months for sure, I would think. >> Yeah. >> So, late summer, early fall? >> accurate. >> Okay. When he lived with you, was he like on your cell phone plan? Did you guys have separate Do you >> Yeah, we were on the same one. >> On the same one? Who was that through? >> Um T-Mobile. >> T-Mobile. And is that Were you still using that? >> Mhm. >> So, did he just drop off of that plan? >> Mhm. >> Do you know what kind of cell phone he had? >> No. >> No. Do you know like if it was an Apple or an Android or a Google or Do you even know? >> I would I would assume I would assume an Apple, but I don't >> Okay. And do you know what kind of phone if it's a different phone, do you know what type of phone he had about during that like last summer? Is it the same phone that you have now? >> That I have, yeah. >> Do you know what kind of phone that is? >> Mine is Apple. >> Do you know what model? An easy kind of trick to do You don't even have to that off. So, if you go in into your settings Yeah. So, if you go into like that gear and then go to general. And then at the very top it should say like about. >> About? >> Yeah. Click on that and then it will say like your model. >> Uh 12. >> 12? 12 Pro or >> 12 Pro Max. >> 12 Pro Max. Um and then I'm aware that that you have another son Evan. Does he still live at home with you? Is he Do you know what is he still on the on [music] the on the team of open? >> He is on. >> Do you know who he is? >> I don't know. >> Do you know what kind of phone he has? Um Do you know and not to send you to but just in case you do, do you know anything about Owen's like social media use, email addresses that he has? And that? >> No. I mean I I try to have his email but I don't know um anything about his stuff. No. >> Okay. Um anything else that we wanted to address or talk about >> I don't think so. >> All right. So, as part of our investigation so we got a tip like I said we got a tip I think just a rough guess I'm going to say like September October is when the our tip came in and we do a pretty thorough investigation to try and get some specific information about who it was like who was specifically doing things. Like I said the tip comes back to an address. Um and then we get that information we do our due diligence and follow through. Um knowing um Owen's profession um we did frankly quite a bit of extra just to really figure out what you know what we got going on here. Um and all of our leads and everything that we had led us to Owen. Um so this morning we we did a search warrant um at his residence and we did take him into custody this morning. Um and he was booked in the jail a few hours ago. >> 12:16. >> So, you guys knew or >> I looked it up. >> And I And I want to apologize. That was not our press release that went out. We I wanted to reach you guys there the deputy obviously wants to um do their damage control for lack of better better word for it and then wanted to get ahead of it. Um we were aware that they're putting out a press release. They didn't And I knew it would be about the time that that it was that it was formally Okay. I just want to let you know So, that's why I asked you if you knew. So, do you mind me asking >> he was getting booked. >> Okay. So, and I can walk Do you mind me asking just how you knew or what did And you don't have to tell me anything. >> Got it. Okay. >> Okay. That's Okay. That's fine. Um so, that that's why I just asked if you were aware of of anything going on. Cuz I just want to know what you knew or what what you didn't know and I um you know, I don't want to waste your time if you already knew what was going on. >> Where was he arrested? >> Um so, we did take him into custody um this morning at work. Um there was a lot of talk and work with their agency um to try and figure out what would be the safest way for for that to happen um for both us and for Owen um just knowing that these type of incidences have do have a high tendency to to end violently um and knowing that he's often armed due to um his his career. Um so, like I said, we we spent a lot of time going over a lot of different ways and avenues to to make this happen. Um and ultimately with the assistance of the P, that was the decision that was made. Um he was you know booked in on on two counts of possession of child Um, the investigation's continuing. Um, and then as far as a bond goes, so he was booked in today. Um, typically speaking, um, we usually say he'll likely see a judge the next day, especially with it's later in the day. With a case like this with a lot of information, a lot of reports, a lot of technical information um I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't see a judge until Friday. Um, they have to have there's a certain timeline that they have to have and and DA's offices have to go through their avenues if it is going to be bound over. Um, for another day. I just I just want to let you know that there's a chance it'll be either late tomorrow afternoon I personally think it'll be Friday afternoon. But, it could potentially be tomorrow afternoon as well. >> Does the judge set the bond or is the bond set by state? >> Um, so felony charges are set by by a judge or court commissioner. >> Okay. >> Um, and I don't I don't know what I don't like even guessing and it's always a wide range >> need to even guess anything. So, I'm sure it's probably going to be pretty steep. >> I don't like to guess. >> Yep. >> Um his girlfriend is aware. Um, we met with her also. We weren't aware of her where she currently works. Um, so we got her employer involved. >> Are you familiar with where she's employed? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um and then made contact with her, so she's aware. Um, sounds like she was in contact with her her family and and then I don't know what happened after we left. We contacted with her. Um >> So this investigation, what you're saying it goes back to when he was a resident at her address? I mean I know you're not going to tell me anything, but >> That was that was the initial report that came that came to us. Yes, it was specifically the tip happened when he was residing in Houston. Much as my agency, not with him residing in the >> expecting warrants served at her home address? >> No, that is not our No, okay. >> As far as >> I mean not that she has anything to hide, but Does he have any electronic Does he have any properties still at your house? I'm I'm curious. Okay. >> Um no computers, phones, devices. It's not our belief that [music] he does. Um and it's not my anticipation that we would do anything and we where we're at in the investigation we wouldn't just show up out of the blue for something like that. >> Just for her own sake. >> Yeah, no, that's a very good question. Um but no, my unless something completely comes out that we weren't expecting but like I said, with where we're at right now, I I wouldn't anticipate anything like out of out of the blue a surprise. We would likely contact you. Like I said, that can change with with information and things that come out. Um so I guess my last recommendation, I don't know if you guys are social media people um my recommendation is to stay off. I can't force you guys I know. And and you got people say anything on behind the their phone and that and unfortunate and >> Is his name listed in the report? >> Yes. >> His what? >> His name. >> His name is listed in the report. >> On the tip. >> Yep. >> Yeah, I'm sure it does. Um yeah, the only thing I was concerned about was bond law for him because I don't know how mentally strong he will be in the jail, especially being a cop. You know. >> You kind of >> I have been to jail before and you know, usually cops are usually the ones who put you there. So, most of the time they're really not well liked. >> The jail's aware of we they were made aware of prior to us going over of what >> I'm just concerned for his safety. >> That's understandable. >> Yes, that's a concern for the jail as well. And it was a concern that we made before All >> All right. I [clears throat] mean, I'm sure that you're square with it. I just >> No, no. >> I don't understand my concern. I just want to make sure that it was >> Yep, completely understand. >> Cuz I'm sure he's probably >> Oh, he's probably a mess. >> beating himself up. >> And and also just so you know, there were there was some firearms that we took for safekeeping for that specific reason if for some reason he were to get out on bond. Um >> I was just going to >> that we wanted to that we wanted to make sure that that he got on my time. And we have them and in the future and we'd have to double check with the district attorney's office, but we could see about releasing them to somebody at some point in time if if that's something necessary, but let's work on that in the future if we need to. >> Probably release to you or >> Yeah, but initially we did take those for safekeeping just in case he were to to to post bond and make sure that everybody was was safe when he was released. So, And I know we just gave you a whole bunch of information and I apologize that we had to talk to you and about this and in this situation and we were doing our very best to try to make contact with you before anything came out, but kind of like Detective Cole said we didn't have control over that press release. Do you have any questions initially for us? >> Um I I don't I don't know. I don't know what How bad is it? I understand I understand that child exploitation is bad all the way around, but you know what I'm saying on this scale of 0 to 10 there's I I would I would respectfully decline to answer that. >> Yeah. And and and I just say that just And that'll be for trying. >> I know I I get it just out of respect for for both of you. I'll I'll let >> Okay. >> So and another And another part of it is is he is an adult. I mean it's in the press release he was terminated today. >> I'm sure. To be expected. >> So and I don't know how that changes in the eyes of of the public defender's office. >> Okay. >> Do you know at all how he's doing? >> All things considered I felt like he was doing okay. >> Okay. >> I think he was worried about um losing people, losing connections with people. Um but okay. Not going to >> Well, I didn't say that. Yeah, great. Well, no nobody would be crying. >> I think he realizes the magnitude of of kind of what's going on and what he's lost. Um but I think it seemed seemed to me that he was most concerned about potentially losing connections with people. And his and his >> And that's the nature of the beast. >> Yeah, it happens to an adult some people are right. So. >> Any other any questions for us? >> And I appreciate you coming down. Um I I probably didn't plan on working but I I I feel like it was not something I wanted to share over the phone. >> Yeah, no. I appreciate that. >> And we also were doing our very best to make sure that we got a chance to talk to you before you saw it. >> Okay. >> And if you have questions after we leave like I said, give us a call. We'll do our best to answer any questions you have. >> All right. >> Okay? >> All right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. >> Thanks for coming. >> The tip that started everything came through NCMEC, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Under federal law, any online platform that detects child sexual abuse material on its systems must report it to NCMEC's cyber tipline. That is not optional. From there, the tip gets routed to an ICAC task force, Internet Crimes Against Children, based on the IP address or subscriber data attached to the account. The entire pipeline is mandated by federal statute. Investigators corroborated the tip, obtained a subscriber subpoena, established probable cause, and executed a search warrant before making contact with the subject. That sequence, not the arrest itself, is what makes the case legally durable. In the 1984 case, United States versus Leon, the Supreme Court held that a search warrant supported by probable cause insulates the resulting evidence from suppression even if the warrant later proves imperfect. The warrant here also authorized biometric compulsion requiring the subject to unlock his phone with a fingerprint or face scan. Courts are still divided on this, but the prevailing view is that biometrics are not testimony. The Fifth Amendment protects against compelled self-incrimination, words, documents, things the mind produces. A fingerprint is not a thought. Several district courts have upheld biometric compulsion under valid warrants on exactly that reasoning. Now the harder question. The subject was disarmed, placed in a police van, told he was not free to leave, and then questioned at length before any Miranda warning appears on camera. Under Miranda versus Arizona, decided in 1966, custodial interrogation requires prior advisement of rights, the right to remain silent, to an attorney, to appointed counsel, if needed. Custody plus interrogation, both were clearly present here. Berkemer versus McCarty from 1984 gives us the custody test. Would a reasonable person in the subject's position feel free to leave? He was handcuffed in a police van. The answer is no. The admissions made without a documented Miranda warning could have been suppressed. They were not. The subject pleaded no contest, so suppression was never litigated. But the risk was real. The subject also had a sixth amendment right to counsel the moment custody attached. He never invoked it. A law enforcement officer trained in arrest procedure waived that right by simply continuing to talk. That decision gave investigators everything they needed to corroborate the digital evidence already extracted from his phone. The admissions were extensive, specific, and made without any coercion on camera. The charge falls under Wisconsin statute 948.12, possession of child sexual abuse material, a class D felony carrying up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine per count. Two elements must be proven. Knowing possession or access to material depicting a minor in sexually explicit conduct, and knowledge that the material contains such depiction. The subject's own statements describing the platforms used, the volume of material accessed, and the trading of links satisfied both elements without forensic evidence alone. He built the prosecution's case himself. The arrest method also carries legal weight. Detaining an armed on-duty officer at his own workplace is among the highest risk operations investigators can run. Coordinating with the employing agency to control the environment before any disclosure was tactically sound and legally correct. The investigative team receives a grade of A minus. Sound tactical execution, professional interview conduct, thorough digital evidence, one gap. No clearly documented Miranda advisement before substantive questioning began. Owen Walker Halls receives an F. Possessing and trading child sexual abuse material while serving as a sworn police officer is criminal conduct and a categorical breach of public trust. No mitigation changes that. The Nina Police Department receives a B. They cooperated with the outside agency and terminated Hall's on the date of arrest. The deduction. A press release went public before investigators could notify the family. A process failure, not misconduct. On December 19th, 2025, Hall's entered a no contest plea in Outagamie County Circuit Court, guilty of one class D felony count. A second count was dismissed but read into the record at sentencing. Three lessons. First, the NCMEC CyberTipline works. Federal mandatory reporting law creates an automated pipeline from platform detection to law enforcement action and it reached a sworn officer inside a police department. Second, custody triggers Miranda the moment a reasonable person would not feel free to leave. Not at booking, not at formal arrest. The van door closing is enough. Document the advisement every time, without exception. Third, biometric compulsion under a search warrant is legally distinct from compelling a password. Courts treat a fingerprint as a physical act, not testimonial disclosure. That distinction is actively being litigated and the law is still moving. The broader point, a badge does not create a blind spot in the system. The same pipeline, tip, subpoena, warrant, arrest runs identically regardless of who the subject is. That is the system working exactly as designed. Let us know in the comments if there is an interaction or legal topic you would like us to cover. Thank you for watching and check out our channel for more police interaction and courtroom content.