An internet tip resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old sex offender Friday morning.

In October 2023, Detective T.S. Martin of our Computer Crime Unit received cyber tips from the Internet Crimes Against Children, or better known as ICAC, program. The tips involved a possible Stafford man communicating with juveniles over social media in an attempt to solicit explicit images from them. These tips continued into January 2024. Through their combined efforts, ICAC and Detective Martin were able to identify the suspect as Jesse Abecrombie.

In February 2024, as Detective Martin continued his investigation, he was contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police. They were also investigating Abecrombie for similar crimes. With this information, they were able to work together in an attempt to stop Abecrombie.

On March 1st at approximately 9:15 a.m. detectives with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office detained Abecrombie at Royal Farms, located at 1221 Warrenton Road. That same day, a search warrant was conducted at Abecrombie’s residence on Meadows Road. There, detectives seized numerous electronic devices related to both cases.

Pennsylvania State Police have charged Abecrombie with child pornography, unlawful contact with a minor, dissemination of explicit sexual material to minors, and indecent exposure. He is currently being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond as detectives continue to work through all the evidence seized to determine all the appropriate charges.

Crimes like these are very serious and often go unnoticed. Thank you to all parties involved to help protect our children. The investigation is ongoing.