“An investigation by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Persons Detectives led to the arrest of a Tennessee man for sextortion of a child.
Christopher Fancher, 42, of Sparta, Tennessee, used social media to communicate with a juvenile victim in Placer County. During the investigation, detectives learned Fancher demanded the victim send him nude images. After receiving the images, he threatened to tell her mother about them if she refused to send him more. He also demanded the victim record and send him videos of sexual acts.
Fancher also sent gift cards to the victim for occasions such as her birthday. Sending gifts or money can be a tactic predators use to build trust and groom their victims.
As the investigation continued, detectives identified additional underage victims, including one who met with Fancher at a hotel in Placer County.
Placer County Detectives issued an arrest warrant for Fancher. Detectives worked with the Sparta Police Department in Tennessee to locate him. Fancher was taken into custody on August 11 and is currently being held at the White County Jail in Tennessee. He will be extradited to Placer County to face the charges.
Fancher is charged with:
- 311.11(a) PC – Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
- 664/518 PC – Attempted Extortion
- Four counts of 288.3(a) PC – Communicating with a Child for Lewd Acts
- 11361(a) HS – Furnishing Marijuana to a Minor
Predators have more access to children than ever before, and social media can make it easier for them to hide behind a screen. In this case, Snapchat was a common method of communication. Parents and caregivers can learn more about keeping children safe online, recognizing warning signs, and starting conversations about online safety by visiting placer.ca.gov/AppSafe.”
Originally posted by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo/Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
