Google tip leads to arrest of Tri-Cities man for child exploitation
A Kennewick man has been arrested after a tip from Google led to a child exploitation arrest.
Jason S. Ruegsegger, 46, was arrested Thursday by the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (SER-ICAC) Taskforce on suspicion of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to Richland police.
The taskforce was assisted by Homeland Security Investigations, Benton County Sheriff’s Office electronic search K9 Blaze and Richland, Kennewick and Pasco police departments.
The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip from Google indicating that images depicting child sexual abuse material were uploaded to Ruegsegger’s Google account.
Investigators were able to identify him as well his home in Kennewick, said police.
After Ruegsegger was taken into custody search warrants were used to search his vehicle and home, where several electronic devices were seized for examination.
He was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of two felony counts of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Ruegsegger is expected to make an initial court appearance Friday afternoon.
For information about internet safety tips and how to make a cybertip, visit richlandwa.gov and navigate to the police department’s internet safety resources page.
Anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents, should contact the Richland Police Department and reference this case. Tips can be made online at richlandwa.gov/policetips.
