For military children, online gaming is more than just entertainment, it’s a way to stay connected. Frequent moves can make it difficult to maintain friendships, but video games and voice chats help bridge the distance across states, countries, and time zones.
Online video games bring millions of players together every day, creating instant connections. While most interactions are harmless, some use these platforms to target and exploit children.
“Online predators exploit the internet's anonymity to gain children's trust,” said Special Agent Michael Maddox, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force liaison. “They use platforms like social media, gaming sites, and chat rooms, often posing as children themselves or someone with shared interests.”
According to Maddox, this allows online predators the opportunity to manipulate and groom potential victims over time.
“Predators are patient, concealing their true intentions while building a false sense of security through compliments, gifts, or displays of understanding,” Maddox said. “This manipulation makes child feel valued and safe, ultimately making them more vulnerable to exploitation.”
Following digital footprint
Most recently, Kyle J. Logan, 25, a former Airman at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for crimes involving a minor he met while playing Call of Duty online. Their conversations continued on Discord, where Logan engaged in an inappropriate relationship with her.
"When I first learned about this case, my immediate concern was for the child’s safety," said Special Agent Thomas Nollie, the lead investigator on the case. "We knew we had to act quickly, not only to protect the victim but to preserve critical evidence before it could be deleted."
Nollie, now the Major Crimes Branch Chief at AFOSI Det. 518, led the Det. 204 investigation in Nebraska during his previous assignment. What began as a single complaint soon unraveled into a complex case, exposing a pattern of exploitation that might have otherwise gone undetected, said Lt. Col. Christopher Wittwer, AFOSI Det. 204 commander.
This investigation began in April 2023, after local police were contacted about a minor victim in West Virginia who met an Air Force member, Logan, while playing Call of Duty online.
During the investigation, Nollie sifted through thousands of messages, piecing together the digital evidence that built the case. Buried in the exchanges was clear proof of exploitation, including requests for explicit material and images.
"Reviewing such a vast amount of data was one of the biggest challenges, which isn’t uncommon for investigations involving digital platforms," Nollie said. "While I had support from our Digital Forensic Consultants, I personally spent significant time analyzing the Air Force member’s communications, searching for additional victims."
The scope of the investigation widened after another victim was identified. In all, Logan was held accountable for possessing a total of 14 videos and 119 images of child pornography.
According to Wittwer, it was Nollie’s detective work that broke the case wide open, exposing a hidden digital trail of abuse that might have otherwise remained buried.
“This case showed how predators use online platforms to target minors, often without parents realizing it,” Wittwer said. “Thanks to meticulous investigators like Special Agent Nollie, we were able to uncover the full extent of his actions and ensure justice was served.”
According to the Justice Department, after his prison sentence, Logan will serve five years of supervised release and pay $5,000 under both the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) and the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA).
Looking back, Nollie said his work was about more than just securing a conviction, it was about stopping further harm and preventing future victims.
"It is a great feeling knowing this individual will serve time for the harm he has caused to the victims and their families," he said. "Because of our efforts, we were able to identify another victim and further combat child exploitation."
Growing crisis
However, Logan’s case is just one example of a much bigger problem.
“Predators are using gaming platforms, chat rooms and social media to target kids,” Maddox said. “These spaces make it easy for predators to meet, build trust and then move to private channels where there is less oversight. Awareness and active involvement from parents are the keys to keeping kids safe online.”
But the problem extends beyond gaming.
Last month, less than two weeks from Logan’s sentencing, civilian military contractor Ricky Junior O. Quichocho was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor.
Just days after Quichocho’s sentencing, another Airman was convicted for similar crimes.
On Feb. 20, Kyle Cozens, 32, of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, was sentenced to five years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for purchasing explicit material involving minors.
Last year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) online enticement reports involving children went up 194% from 186,000 in 2023 to 546,000—many originating from digital technology, like online video games.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics predators use to target children online.
“Online predators adapt quickly, find new ways to exploit digital spaces where children feel safe,” Maddox said. “That’s why it’s critical for parents to stay informed and involved in their child’s online activities. Open communication and proactive monitoring are key to keeping them safe.”
What parents should know
According to Maddox, prevention starts at home. While law enforcement works to identify and prosecute online predators, the first line of defense is parental awareness and open communication.
“Before your child ever logs on, talk to them about the risks of the internet,” Maddox said. “Tell them who they interact with, what personal information they share and how to recognize red flags. Don’t stop with just one conversation. Make online safety a regular topic so they feel comfortable coming to you if something doesn’t feel right.”
In addition, tools are available to help track online activity, and many gaming consoles offer privacy settings that restrict communication with strangers, Maddox said.
But technology alone is not enough, and according to Maddox, not a substitute for engaged parenting.
“Apps and privacy settings can help limit exposure to potential threats, but the best protection comes from staying involved and making sure your child understands how to stay safe online,” Maddix said.
According to Maddox, children should also be taught how to recognize red flags, like online friends asking for personal information, strangers encouraging secrecy, or individuals offering unsolicited gifts or in-game rewards in exchange for something.
“One of the most important lessons parents can teach their kids is that not everything they see online is true,” Maddix said. “Encourage them to question what they see and to never share personal information.”
Detecting the warning signs of online grooming is critical, Nollie said, urging parents and caretakers to watch for behavioral shifts, especially when children spend more time online in private conversations that they refuse to discuss.
“Make sure your child understands that once something is posted online, it’s nearly impossible to remove and could be misused by predators,” he continued.
Conversations today can prevent victimization tomorrow, they agreed.
“If your child comes to you about an uncomfortable or inappropriate interaction, take it seriously,” Maddox said. “Save messages, report the offender to the platform, and, when necessary, contact law enforcement. Acting quickly can prevent further harm and protect other potential victims.”
For more information on internet safety and parental resources, visit the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing program at sos.fbi.gov.
Related links
Learn how to address online safety topics, additional resources here
OSI.AF.mil: Parental tips to protect children online
Air Force Member Sentenced to 96 Months for Possession of Child Pornography
Guam Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Enticement of a Minor
Eielson Airman sentenced to 5 years for possessing child pornography