Kenosha County Man Arrested After Investigators Say He Shared Bestiality Videos and Child Pornography Online
WISCONSIN — A Kenosha County man is behind bars after investigators say he shared graphic bestiality videos and child pornography through a messaging app, following a months-long digital crimes investigation that first began with a cyber tip.
Digital Trail Leads Investigators to 33-Year-Old Suspect
According to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Jerry D. Lapenta II was arrested on November 19 in Wheatland Township. The investigation began in September 2024, when the messaging platform Kik submitted a cyber tip reporting that one of its users had shared disturbing and illegal content earlier that summer.
Detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit obtained multiple search warrants and traced the activity back to Lapenta.
Authorities say he had distributed ten illegal videos, including:
- Nine videos involving acts of bestiality
- One video involving a child engaged in sexual conduct
After confirming the files came from Lapenta’s account, deputies executed a search warrant at his home and seized several electronic devices for forensic review.
Lapenta Faces Nine Bestiality Distribution Charges and One Child Pornography Charge
Lapenta appeared in court on November 20, where a $100,000 cash bond was set. Alongside the media distribution charges, officials say he is also facing drug possession charges, though details on the narcotics have not yet been released.
The case remains active as investigators analyze seized digital devices for additional evidence.
Sheriff: Technology Helps Predators Hide — Families Must Stay Vigilant
Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner released a statement urging parents to take digital safety seriously as predators increasingly use anonymous apps to contact victims.
“Technology has created opportunities for predators to hide behind screens, reach into our homes, and target victims,” Zoerner said. “We must work together — law enforcement, parents, and the community — to stay ahead of these threats.”
He highlighted several steps families can take to better protect children:
- Use reputable online safety resources from agencies like NCMEC and Wisconsin DOJ-DCI
- Monitor apps and social platforms your children use
- Talk regularly about online safety and expectations
- Use parental controls, device filters, and time limits
- Keep an open-door policy so kids feel safe reporting uncomfortable situations
- Watch for hidden or alternate accounts commonly created by teens
Case Ongoing as Deputies Review Digital Evidence
Detectives emphasize that online exploitation cases often reveal far more material once digital devices are fully examined. As of now, no additional victims have been identified.
Lapenta remains in custody while the investigation continues.
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