2nd suspect ID'd; kids center owner, local deejay both now under investigation
Police execute more search warrants, this time for data on electronic devices; await response from Snapchat
PERKINS TWP. — In a revealing interview regarding the investigation into Robert Stein, Perkins police Detective Joe Rotuna detailed an expanding case that now involves search warrants for electronic devices, a “significant” list of potential victims, and a new person of interest.
Stein already faces a single count of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, but the investigation is far from over.
“We definitely can say for sure that we’re going to have probably several more counts of the disseminating matter,” Rotuna said, noting that police are currently “executing search warrants on cell phones and laptops” and waiting for data to return from Snapchat.
The scope of the case has broadened as more people have come forward. Rotuna revealed that the list of individuals to be interviewed has grown to “right about a dozen.” This includes allegations against an associate of Stein, identified as a local deejay and musician with a large following.
“We’re getting other names of (individuals) who are possibly being victimized by him,” Rotuna said, confirming the second suspect.
Rotuna said victims are alleging the second man “has done similar things” in the past as Stein.
The Allegations
The initial charge against Stein stems from a 17-year-old local girl. According to Rotuna, Stein “disseminated... sexual conduct via messaging through videos and images to a minor.”
When asked about social media rumors regarding a specific logo—which some have linked to pedophilia—Rotuna remained cautious. “I’m hearing that they’re comparing it to the possible symbol of, uh, a pedophile, but I don’t know,” he said, stating that he has not yet looked into the history of the symbol because he is prioritizing victim interviews.
What’s next?
The Perkins Police Department is continuing to follow leads and expects the case to grow as digital forensics and interviews progress.
“We have a lot of interviews to do,” Rotuna said.
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