The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office in central California has welcomed a special electronic detection K-9 named Tor to aid in combating the rising number of cybercrimes in the area. Tor, a 2-year-old black labrador retriever, is trained to detect a chemical used in the manufacturing of various electronic devices such as cellphones, USB drives, and computers. The office was one of 12 in the country to receive an electronic detection dog through the National Forensic Institute program of the U.S. Secret Service, highlighting their commitment to fighting crimes against children and white-collar crime.
Tor’s handler, TCDA Criminal Investigator Anthony Benitez, explained that electronic storage detection K-9s have been used since 2012, with their use increasing since 2015. These dogs are called upon to search locations for hidden electronic devices that may have been overlooked during a manual search by law enforcement. Ward emphasized the importance of Tor’s role in assisting all law enforcement partners across the county, particularly in cases involving crimes like child pornography, scams, and other web-related offenses. With the increase in fraud, embezzlement, and white-collar crime cases using electronics and storage devices, having a specialized K-9 like Tor is crucial in uncovering evidence.
Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward highlighted the evolution of crime and the need for tools like Tor in staying ahead of criminals. He shared a past experience with the Visalia Ransacker case, who was later identified as the “Golden State Killer,” where he emphasized the impact of science and technology in shrinking the space for criminals to operate. Ward expressed his hope that knowing Tor is on the job will bring victims and their families a sense of protection and hope. He stressed the importance of considering the voices of victims and their families amid the myriad of conversations happening in California.
Despite the challenges faced in California, Ward’s office is committed to prioritizing the needs of victims and holding criminals accountable. He acknowledged the significance of having a tool like Tor in aiding law enforcement in finding hidden items that could make or break a case. With Tor’s abilities, the office aims to send a clear message to families impacted by crime that someone cares and is dedicated to seeking justice. Ward expressed his gratitude for being chosen by the U.S. Secret Service to receive Tor and assured that they would be good stewards of this valuable resource.
Stepheny Price, the writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business covering topics such as missing persons, homicides, and national crime cases, shared details about the use of Tor in combating cybercrimes in Tulare County. She emphasized Tor’s unique training in detecting specific chemicals used in electronic devices and the importance of having such a specialized K-9 in law enforcement efforts. Ward and Benitez both underlined the critical role of Tor in assisting in the investigation of crimes against children, white-collar crime, and other offenses involving electronic devices. They highlighted the potential impact Tor could have in uncovering hidden evidence and providing a voice for victims in the criminal justice system.
