Stephen Kingsbury, a 23-year-old resident of Rutland, Vermont, faced arraignment today on multiple serious charges. The Attorney General’s Office reported that Kingsbury is charged with felony Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Child, Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, and six counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. These charges stem from an investigation by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), working alongside the Department of Homeland Security and the Rutland Police Department.
Kingsbury entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment at Vermont Superior Court, Rutland Criminal Division. Judge Cortland Corsones ordered him to be held without bail.
The VT-ICAC is responsible for investigating cases involving child sexual exploitation online, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. They also offer forensic examination services, technical assistance, law enforcement training, and public outreach programs.
"The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children," stated the release. The public can report suspected cases of online child exploitation through their 24-hour call center or online portal.
Furthermore, NCMEC provides support for those recovering from child sexual exploitation. They offer emotional support, assistance in removing content from the internet, and help in finding mental health professionals.
The Attorney General’s Office stressed that individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.