An Oklahoma State Police dog is being called a hero after sniffing out evidence against a child sexual abuser.
Rothko works as an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K-9 for the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, specializing in child exploitation cases. Mission The incident occurred in Ecuador, leading to the arrest of a “prominent” doctor, News On 6 reported.
Last week, Ecuadorian and U.S. law enforcement authorities detained pediatrician Pablo Anibal at his home in the capital, Quito, after Rothko found “two microSD cards and a cell phone” containing evidence.
According to Oklahoma news outlets, Anibal had been under investigation since March after being accused of producing child sexual abuse material targeting patients as young as eight to 12 years old.
Rothko is trained to detect “certain chemicals that are found in all electronic devices to prevent them from overheating,” and was able to find the devices in the doctor’s home.
“We agreed to jump on board,” said Detective Inspector John Hanning, a Rothco representative, when asked for help in searching the disgraced pediatrician’s home.
“Even one overlooked mobile phone, computer, microSD card or hidden camera somewhere in the room could lead to new victims and potentially even longer prison terms for the perpetrator,” Hanning said. explanation To KJRH.
Although this was Rothko’s first overseas assignment, he is by no means inexperienced on the domestic front.
“Since we’ve had Rosco, he’s found multiple devices from multiple different agencies. We’ve had many agents search these rooms and the house,” his owner said, “and they miss it, because Rosco comes in later and finds the device that was overlooked.”
Rothko is also adept at providing emotional support to victims in crisis.
“When we went to Ecuador, one of our victims, a 15-year-old special needs victim, was at home and she was obviously distraught, crying and out of control,” Hanning said. “Once we introduced Rothko to her, she immediately stopped crying and focused on Rothko and the little tricks that my wife and I have been teaching her over the years.”
The courageous dog also helps keep other investigators calm.
“For example, if the dog is upset or stressed or needs a break, he’ll jump onto your lap. You’re typing away at the keyboard and this 70-, 80-pound dog jumps onto your lap and is like, hey, pay attention to me,” the lieutenant said.
According to an Ecuadorian news site: El UniversoAnibal served as a presidential adviser from 2011 to 2013. KJRH noted that he faces up to 30 years in prison for the horrific crimes he is accused of.
