Adam Barrup, a 39-year-old resident of Derby Line, Vermont, was arraigned on April 1 on one felony count of luring a child and seven felony counts of possessing child sexual abuse materials. The Vermont Attorney General’s Office announced that the charges follow an investigation by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which included personnel from the Attorney General’s Office.
Barrup pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Orleans Unit, Criminal Division. Judge Rory Thibault set a $1000 secured appearance bond and imposed conditions prohibiting Barrup from leaving Vermont, contacting or accessing any minors, and restricting his internet access.
The VT-ICAC investigates cases involving child sexual exploitation over the internet. This includes production and online distribution of child sexual abuse materials. The task force also provides forensic examination services, technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, training for officers, as well as public education and outreach programs.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) serves as the nation’s central reporting system for online exploitation of children. Reports can be made regarding suspected enticement of children for sexual acts or other forms of exploitation by calling their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678 or visiting https://report.cybertip.org. NCMEC also offers support services such as emotional assistance, content removal from the internet, and help finding mental health professionals for those recovering from exploitation.
The Attorney General’s Office said that individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
