Franklin Man charged with internet crimes against children

Macon County Sheriff Office -- Jan 29. 2020: Detectives with the Special Victims Unit of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office & SBI Agents have arrested Mark Wayne Saffran of Franklin following an investigation that was initiated from an ICAC tip.

Detectives with The MCSO Special Victims Unit are also part of the SBI ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force. Once contacted SVU detectives and SBI agents worked to identify and locate the suspect involved with the possible internet crimes against children. Mr. Saffran was identified and located to be living in Franklin at Pines RV Campground. MCSO executed a search warrant on his residence and vehicle. Late this evening Saffran was formally charged with 3rd Degree Exploitation of a Minor Class H Felony and booked into the Macon County Detention Center where he remains under $100,000 bond. Mr. Saffran previously lived in Indiana but has been living here for a period of time at the campground. Owners of Pines RV Park were fully cooperative with our investigation and have provided assistance throughout the course of today’s investigation.

Detectives seized several items of evidence including electronic equipment and are currently attempting to identify other minors. If you have any information or know of children who may have been associated with him you are encouraged to contact our office. We are in the process of going through images and trying to identify other children who have obviously been victims of sexual abuse and other crimes against children.

Sheriff Robert Holland states, “This investigation should serve as yet another example of why parents should take the necessary steps to know who their children are communicating with and what information they are sharing. Your minor children DO NOT and SHOULD NOT have a right to privacy when it comes to their computers & phones. If you believe they do... then you are a parent who is a “Predators Dream Come True.”

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are forthcoming.

If you have any information concerning this investigation please contact SGT. Dani Burrows of the Special Victims Unit of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office 349-2268
CrimeStoppers Hotline 349-2600.
 

*Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

** WNCTIMES Link to help Parents Internet Safety 101: Helpful Parents Guide