Police in New Mexico arrested 52-year-old Fernando Clyde for sending unsolicited sexual messages to who he believed was a 12-year-old girl but was actually an undercover agent. The sting operation, part of “Operation MetaPhile,” also led to the arrest of 29-year-old Marlon Kellywood at the same motel on similar charges. The arrests highlighted the use of social media platforms by predators to target children for sexual exploitation. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez criticized Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for not doing enough to ensure the safety of their platforms, accusing them of neglecting the issue of child safety online.
The profile photo of the girl used in the sting operation was created using artificial intelligence to attract potential predators. Torrez described how Clyde and Kellywood engaged in sexually explicit conversations, sent graphic images, and made horrific statements about their interest in having sex with children. The arrests came after CBS News’ reporting on New Mexico’s civil lawsuit against Meta, alleging that the company enabled adults to contact minors for illegal purposes. Meta, in response to the allegations, stated that they have dedicated resources to combating child exploitation online and work with law enforcement to prosecute criminals. However, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 36 million reports of suspected cases of child exploitation online.
Torrez expressed concern about the ease with which predators can target children through online platforms, emphasizing the need for parents and children to be vigilant against such threats. The New Mexico Justice Department has issued a guide with tips on how to protect oneself from online predators. The arrests in New Mexico shed light on the ongoing challenge of ensuring the safety of minors on social media platforms and the responsibility of companies like Meta to address these issues. Law enforcement agencies continue to work to identify and prosecute individuals who use social media to exploit children, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in combating online predators.
Journalist Jo Ling Kent joined CBS News in 2023 as a senior business and technology correspondent, with expertise in covering the intersection of technology and business in the U.S. and China. Kent’s reporting on the case in New Mexico underscores the broader societal implications of online safety and the need for increased awareness and regulation of social media platforms. As incidents of child exploitation continue to rise online, law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups are calling for greater accountability from tech companies and stronger protections for minors. The case in New Mexico serves as a reminder of the dangers that children face in the digital age and the importance of staying informed and vigilant to prevent exploitation.
