Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which was recognized in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program for Excellence in Homeland Security, is seeking the public’s help to identify possible victims in an ongoing child sexual exploitation investigation involving a Harvey man who worked as a daycare specialist.
On July 24, HSI New Orleans and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Max Cory Johnson Jr. on child exploitation charges after an investigation revealed he accessed and downloaded child sexual abuse material.
Johnson has been a daycare specialist at YouFit Gyms in Harvey since December 2022.
Due to his online activity and employment, authorities with the two agencies are seeking information that may help identify potential victims Johnson may have engaged or exploited.
“Protecting the children in our communities, both online and in person, remains a top priority for Homeland Security Investigations,” explained acting Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of HSI New Orleans.
“HSI, along with our dedicated law enforcement partners, remains committed to identifying individuals who prey on our most vulnerable population — especially those who hold positions of public trust.”
HSI encourages the public to report suspected sex trafficking or any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form, both of which are staffed around the clock by investigators.
From outside the United States and Canada, callers should dial (802) 872-6199, and hearing-impaired users may call TTY (802) 872-6196.
HSI takes a victim-centered approach to child exploitation investigations by working to identify, rescue, and stabilize victims.
HSI works in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which was honored in the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, ICAC partners, and other federal, state, and local agencies to help solve cases and rescue sexually exploited children.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to NCMEC’s toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
HSI is also a founding member of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.
members from private industry and non-governmental organizations to tackle the threat of child sexual abuse (CSA). (Courtesy of the Virtual Global Taskforce)
One of HSI’s top priorities is to protect the public from crimes of victimization, and HSI’s Child Exploitation Investigations Program (CEIP), is a central component of this mission set. Further, HSI is recognized as a global leader in this investigative discipline.
HSI is a directorate of ICE and the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), whose Blue Campaign was also recognized in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, and is responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel, and finance move.
HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries.
HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
HSI Honolulu SAC John Tobon Honored in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
John F. Tobon
Excellence in Homeland Security
-
In his position as Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Honolulu, John Tobon oversees HSI criminal investigations in an area of responsibility encompassing the four island counties of the State of Hawaii, four U.S. territories, three Freely Associated States and 12 Pacific Island nations.
-
Tobon is a recognized subject matter expert on money laundering and financial crime, and his analysis of money laundering issues and risks often appears in national and international television and print media.
-
During his over 20-year law enforcement career Tobon has participated in numerous high-profile money-laundering investigations targeting transnational criminal organizations and has helped shape international anti-money laundering policy as a member of U.S. delegations.
-
He regularly shares his knowledge and expertise at conferences and training sessions attended by public and private industry personnel worldwide.
-
Tobon is an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he lectures on Global Financial Crimes.
