Investigators Say Macomb Teacher Used KIK App To Share Child Porn

Newly unsealed documents reveal details in the case against a Macomb teacher.

Lucas Cane is accused of distributing thousands of images of child porn using the popular app called KIK.

According to the court documents, Cane used KIK to share over 6,500 images of elementary, middle and high school kids.

See Related Story: Macomb Teacher Faces Federal Charges After Child Porn Arrest

Law enforcement says KIK is a common tool used by child predators.  The school says he has been suspended and there was no indication that any of the alleged crimes had any connection to the school.

A federal undercover agent says he was invited via KIK Messenger into the group chat, where Cane and others shared and graphically discussed child pornography.

Court documents also show Ralph Shortey used KIK to talk to the teen he was eventually caught with in a motel room.

“Unfortunately, the victimization of children goes up every year,” said Jordan Solorzano with the OSBI.

Solorzano spent years in the Internet Crimes Against Children unit. And says apps like KIK are so dangerous, because those who use them don't have to verify their identity, or even their email or phone number.

Read Also: An Inside Look – Protecting Your Children From Dangerous Apps

“The perpetrator can remain anonymous, the child is easily accessible to people, not only from across the US but all over the world,” said Solorzano.

To see how easy it was, News 9 created a fake profile of a 15-year-old girl and immediately had access to groups with adult content and quickly started receiving private messages.

“You start out in a group chat room, you might be able to talk to a child, lower their inhibitions and then move them over into a private chat room where you are able to talk a little more explicitly and a child is solicited,” said Solorzano.

Solorzano says parents need to talk with your kids about what is and isn't acceptable to share online, give them love and attention, and be approachable so if there is an issue they can talk to you about it.

“The things that parents should be cognizant of be in your children's business, know what they are doing. Don't be afraid to ask questions. if you as a parent don't understand something ask your child to explain it to you,” said Solorzano.

As far as the Cane case goes, the school says there's no reason to believe the crimes had any connection to the school.