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WILKES-BARRE — The Luzerne County District Attorney’s office has added a furry friend to help in the office’s Detective Division.
According to a press release:
Spike, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever, went through an extensive two-week electronic detection course with Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and Detective Chaz Balogh, who will serve as Spike’s supervisor.
“The ICAC unit is aggressive and produces undeniable results, responsible for arresting perpetrators of some of the most heinous acts that we prosecute in the office,” said Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis. “Spike will be an invaluable asset when executing search warrants and no doubt will help investigators recover evidence that might have otherwise been impossible to find.”
For instance, through Spike’s training, he could help investigators find a cellphone’s memory card that may contain incriminating photos or other electronic data that the suspect may have removed and concealed to deter authorities.
“ICAC operations are essential to protecting children throughout Luzerne County from exploitation and abuse,” Salavantis added. “Such investigations are time-consuming and Spike will be a crucial partner to Det. Balogh.”
Salavantis noted that the DA’s office was able to secure funds for Spike because of the proven track record of arrests and convictions from ICAC along with support from “Operations Underground Railroad” and the “Do Terra Essential Oils” organizations.