Lewiston task force cracking down on child exploitation crimes

The Lewiston-Clarkston Valley has seen a significant crackdown on child pornography, with an unofficial task force arresting 13 individuals since 2023. This group, comprising detectives from the Lewiston Police Department and federal partners like the FBI, works to enhance community safety. Detective Cody Bloomsburg, who became a detective in 2015, expressed the lasting impact of his early cases involving child exploitation. The task force's capabilities improved with the addition of Detective Zach Thomas, who specializes in forensic computer investigations. In 2023, Ronald L.

Asker Jr. was sentenced to three years in prison for possession of child pornography, highlighting the task force's effectiveness. With a city population of just 35,000, these arrests have a profound impact on community safety. The task force's efforts reflect a commitment to bringing child predators into the justice system's spotlight. Enhanced forensic capabilities and strong interrogation skills have aided in building persuasive cases against offenders.