Like Father, Like Son: CyberTips, Secret Cameras, and Spiritual Influences
This in-depth case study examines the investigation and prosecution of David J. VonBergen, spanning a NCMEC cybertip, dark web activity, hands-on abuse, reluctant disclosures, and complex evidentiary and legal issues. Presented by the investigative and prosecutorial team, the session explores digital evidence strategy, pretrial motions, sentencing, and the generational abuse tied to his father’s crimes.
Suggested Audience: Law enforcement & prosecutors
Full Description: The investigation into David J. VonBergen began with a NCMEC cybertip and ended in a prosecution of a case that involved the dark web, peer to peer file sharing, hands on sexual abuse of victims under the care of VonBergen, the manufacturing of child sexual abuse material, reluctant victim disclosure, issues of asset forfeiture, other crimes evidence, religion, and generational abuse.
Presented by members of the team that investigated and prosecuted the case, this in-depth analysis will include crime scene photos, interviews, reports, and documentation to explain the case strategy to overcome several obstacles that arose throughout the case, including digital evidence preservation, witness preparation, pre-trial motions, and sentencing guidelines. The case study will also explore the connection to the case of David L. VonBergen, David J’s father, who used his position as a trusted religious leader to commit his own child exploitation crimes.
Learning Objectives:
Provide guidance to investigators and prosecutors developing complex cases involving multiple types of digital evidence, hands-on offenses, and reluctant victims.
Discuss the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and prosecution in case development, pre-trial motions, trial preparation, and sentencing.
Explain the impact of family dynamics and societal roles in cases involving perpetrators who hold positions of trust and authority in the community.
Speaker(s): Kathleen Nolan
