#173 Jared Hudson - The War Against Evil: A Navy SEAL’s Fight to Save Children in America
Former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson's mission has shifted from combat to combating child exploitation. In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Hudson shares his journey from a life-changing Africa trip to founding the Covenant Rescue Group, a nonprofit focused on domestic child exploitation stings.
Hudson provides an eye-opening perspective on the realities of child sexual abuse: the alarming prevalence of victims being abused by those close to them, the difficulties in securing convictions, and the online grooming tactics employed by predators. He stresses the importance of educating children on online safety and encourages a proactive approach to protecting vulnerable minors.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 19, 2025 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
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Jared Hudson: Ex-Navy SEAL Combating Child Exploitation
Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL, now dedicates his career to law enforcement, specializing in child exploitation cases. Hudson shares insights from his extensive experience.
Jared Hudson's Path
Inspired by a mission trip to Africa at 19, Hudson felt called to create meaningful impact. He obtained a SEAL contract, believing it was God's will for him. After serving, he continued protecting the public as a deputy and federal task force officer focused on child exploitation cases.
Covenant Rescue Group's Mission
Hudson and his wife started Covenant Rescue Group, initially supporting anti-trafficking organizations globally. During COVID-19, the nonprofit shifted focus to domestic child exploitation operations.
Targeted Approach
Covenant Rescue Group partners with law enforcement, providing tactical training in exchange for access to set up child exploitation stings. Their strategic efforts, using decoy tactics without needing victim testimony, have resulted in arrests and prosecutions.
Child Sexual Abuse Prevalence
Hudson cites alarming statistics: 87% of child victims know their abusers, who are often family or trusted adults like coaches or teachers. Many cases go unreported due to fear, misunderstanding, or family dynamics normalizing the abuse.
Prosecution Challenges
According to Hudson, securing convictions is arduous due to victims' reluctance to testify, community biases, and legal technicalities. Strong cases independent of victim testimony are paramount.
Online Exploitation Risks
In the digital age, Hudson warns parents must monitor children's online activities closely. Predators exploit platforms and devices to target vulnerable minors. Educating children on online safety and recognizing grooming signs is crucial.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Decoy tactics in the context of law enforcement involve using strategic methods to attract and catch criminals engaging in illegal activities, such as child exploitation. These tactics often involve creating scenarios or situations that lure perpetrators into revealing their criminal intentions or actions. By employing decoy tactics, law enforcement agencies aim to gather evidence and secure arrests without necessarily needing direct victim testimony. Such approaches are crucial in combating crimes where traditional investigative methods may face challenges.
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Jared Hudson: Ex-navy Seal, Law Enforcement Officer
Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL, is now known for his impactful career in law enforcement, dealing specifically with child exploitation cases.
Jared Hudson's Path: From Christian Upbringing to Navy Seal
Hudson's journey into the military was ignited by a transformative experience during a mission trip to Africa.
Joined Military After Mission Trip, Chose Navy Seal Path
At age 19, after going on a mission trip with his church to Africa, specifically near Angola, Jared Hudson felt a calling to do something different, which led him to join the Navy SEALs. During his trip, Hudson witnessed an older woman being beaten by a man from another village, which left a profound impact on him and partly influenced his decision to join the military.
Upon returning, Jared discussed with his father his aspiration to create a meaningful impact in the world, fortuitously around the time President Bush introduced new military contracts. After graduating from high school in 2005, he evaluated different military special operations programs, ultimately aiming for something beyond just any military role, as encouraged by his father. His father's advice guided Hudson to attempt the most challenging role available—the Navy SEALs. Through dedication and a belief that he was following God's will, he successfully obtained the SEAL contract upon passing numerous tests like the ASVAB, runs, swims, and pull-ups. He prayed for guidance and felt that this was the path God intended for him.
Jared Hudson's Law Enforcement and Investigative Experience
With a robust background in the military, Hudson continued to serve the public through a career in law enforcement, heavily involved in child exploitation cases.
Served As Deputy Sheriff and Federal Task Force Officer on Child Exploitation Cases
Hudson is currently a Blount County, Alabama sheriff's deputy, bringing his tactical expertise to this jurisdiction. Moreover, he serves as a federal task force ...
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Jared Hudson: Ex-navy Seal, Law Enforcement Officer
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- President Bush introduced new military contracts as part of initiatives to strengthen the military and expand its capabilities. These contracts aimed to enhance recruitment efforts and provide opportunities for individuals seeking specialized roles within the armed forces. The introduction of these contracts coincided with Jared Hudson's decision-making process regarding his military career path, ultimately influencing his choice to pursue a challenging role like the Navy SEALs. The availability of these new contracts may have presented Hudson with a unique opportunity to align his aspirations for impactful service with the evolving needs of the military at that time.
- Blount County, Alabama is a county located in the northeastern part of the state. It is known for its historic covered bridges and is often referred to as the "Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama." The county seat is Oneonta, and it has a population of around 59,000 people as of the 2020 census.
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is a division of ...
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Covenant Rescue Group's Approach To Combating Trafficking and Exploitation
Covenant Rescue Group, founded by Jared Hudson and his wife, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation, with a particular focus on operations within the United States.
Covenant Rescue Group's Creation and Mission
Founded by Jared and Wife to Support Anti-Trafficking Organizations Worldwide
Jared Hudson and his wife started Covenant Rescue Group to support anti-trafficking organizations around the globe. While transitioning to tactical work with government contracts, they used profits to support other anti-trafficking organizations like Operation Underground Railroad, Far-Reaching Ministries, and Orphan Secure.
Shifted Focus to Domestic Operations During Covid-19 Pandemic
Covenant Rescue Group pivoted to domestic operations during the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions. They now specifically focus on child exploitation, recognizing that legally this equates to human trafficking due to the inability of minors to consent.
Covenant Rescue Group's Targeted Approach to Operations
Works With Law Enforcement and Prosecutors to Identify Targets and Build Strong Cases
The organization works with law enforcement and prosecutors to identify targets, providing training and support to enact operations that lead to felony arrests without needing victims to testify. Covenant Rescue Group guides law enforcement on chatting lingo for decoy-based operations and focuses on strategic and calculated tactics to ensure successful prosecutions.
Trains Law Enforcement Tactically For Operational Access
Although not explicitly stated in the outline, it is clear from the content that Covenant Rescue Group offers tactical training to law enforcement, exchanging it for the opportunity to provide child exploitation training and set up operations within their jurisdictions.
Covenant Rescue Group's Impact and Challenges
Assisted In Arrests and Prosecutions of Child Predators and Tr ...
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Covenant Rescue Group's Approach To Combating Trafficking and Exploitation
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Covenant Rescue Group provides tactical training to law enforcement to enhance their operational capabilities in combating child exploitation and human trafficking. This training includes guidance on utilizing chatting lingo for decoy-based operations and employing strategic tactics to ensure successful prosecutions. The organization exchanges tactical training for the opportunity to provide child exploitation training and set up operations within law enforcement jurisdictions. By working closely with law enforcement, Covenant Rescue Group aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat trafficking and exploitation.
- The challenges in pr ...
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Child Sexual Abuse and Explication: Prevalence and Nature
Alarming Statistics on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Hudson and Ryan express concern about the pervasive exploitation of children.
Most Victims Know Abusers, Often Family or Trusted Adults
Jared Hudson provides unsettling statistics and examples regarding child sexual abuse. He reveals that 37% of abused children are victimized by family members, while another 50% are abused by a known individual like a coach or a teacher. Such perpetrators often include those perceived as upstanding citizens—doctors, pastors, coaches, and teachers, who typically don't break the law in other ways. This challenge in detection is exacerbated by the fact that the abuse is often by trusted guardians, which can make it difficult for victims to report their experiences.
Many Cases Go Unreported Due to Fear, Misunderstanding, or Family Dynamics
Hudson shares a particularly harrowing case of a young lady sexually abused by her stepfather and later by her biological father and brother. She fled these situations only to be trafficked. These narratives illustrate how sex crimes often go unreported due to the involvement of family members as perpetrators, as well as fears of facing abusers in a legal setting or concerns such as deportation. Hudson’s comments suggest an environment where the abuse is normalized, leaving many children without a reference for a life free from exploitation, which further complicates the reporting of such incidents.
Complexities In Prosecuting Child Sexual Abuse Cases
The path to justice in cases of child sexual abuse is fraught with difficulties.
Victims May Not Realize or Feel Unable to Report Abuse
Shawn Ryan points out that many victims do not recognize their situation as abuse since it's a normal part of their everyday life. Hudson discusses societal complexities that can prevent victims from realizing or reporting abuse, such as fears of deportation. He also mentions situations where engaging ...
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Child Sexual Abuse and Explication: Prevalence and Nature
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Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the signs of child abuse to better recognize and respond to potential cases. By learning the subtle and overt signs of abuse, such as changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, or fear of certain individuals, you'll be better equipped to identify children who may need help. For example, if you notice a child suddenly becomes withdrawn or has a drastic change in academic performance, it could warrant a closer look and potentially a conversation with a professional.
- Start conversations about body autonomy and consent with the children in your life to empower them to understand their rights. Teaching kids from a young age about the importance of consent and that they have control over their own bodies can help them recognize inappropriate behavior. Use age-appropriate language to explain that no one, not even family or friends, has the right to make them feel uncomfortable, and they should always tell a trusted adult if they do.
- Volunteer with or donate to organizations that support victims of ...
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Protecting Children From Online Predators
In a digitalized world, children's safety online is increasingly paramount. Hudson's insights suggest a growing need for parental vigilance and education on the dangers that technology and social media pose to young individuals.
Dangers of Technology and Social Media For Children
Predators Exploit Children Via Online Platforms and Devices
Hudson discusses how our digital world frequently exposes children to the risk of trafficking and exploitation. Predators often use online platforms and digital means to exploit vulnerable children. Discussing sites akin to the infamous Backpage, Hudson indicates how such platforms can be hunting grounds for those targeting minors. Law enforcement's use of probable cause search warrants or subpoenas to investigate suspects' phones also implies that online platforms and devices are being used by predators to harm children.
Parents Must Monitor Children's Digital Activities and Associations
Acknowledging that perpetrators are sometimes found on digital platforms targeting kids, Hudson emphasizes the importance of monitoring children's phone and social media usage. He notes the risks involved when children have access to phones, pointing out that while it opens a world of opportunities, it also opens a door for predators to potentially exploit these minors. Hudson's discussion around "sextortion" showcases a critical area where predators may coerce young girls into sending pictures and then blackmail them with exposure threats as an example of potential risks.
Empowering Parents As Proactive Protectors of Children
Educating Children on Online Safety and Healthy Boundaries
The operational tactics used by Hudson's team, which mimic those of predators, offer insight into the language and methods of exploitation. This knowledge is essential for educating children on safe online practices and establishing he ...
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Protecting Children From Online Predators
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While monitoring children's digital activities is important, it is also crucial to balance supervision with respect for their privacy and autonomy, fostering trust and open communication rather than solely relying on surveillance.
- Overemphasis on parental control can lead to a false sense of security; it is equally important to empower children with the skills and knowledge to navigate online spaces safely on their own.
- Focusing too much on the dangers of technology can create a climate of fear that may discourage the positive use of digital platforms for learning and socializing.
- The narrative that predators primarily target children without strong paternal figures could be seen as oversimplified and might overlook the complex dynamics of how and why children from various family backgrounds are exploited.
- The idea of parents acting as a "threat" to potential predators could be misinterpreted as advocating fo ...
Actionables
- Create a family tech agreement to set clear rules and expectations for online behavior. This agreement can include stipulations about which websites are appropriate, time limits on device usage, and guidelines for online communication. For example, you might agree that personal information should never be shared with strangers and that devices should be used in common areas during designated times.
- Develop a "digital safety kit" for your children that includes resources and contacts if they encounter something troubling online. This kit could contain a list of trusted adults they can talk to, easy-to-understand infographics about online safety, and emergency steps to take if they feel threatened. You can create this with your children to ensure they understand each component and feel empowered to use it.
- Organize a monthly "Online Safety Check-in" where y ...
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