On February 21, 2025 the Culpeper Police Department arrested an adult man as the result of an investigation into the solicitation of child pornography. In January of 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) sent a cyber tip to NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force reference online communications between an adult man and a juvenile.

As a result of this investigation, the Culpeper Police Department charged Gregory French, 25, of Culpeper with felony Solicitation of Child Pornography and felony 2nd or Subsequent Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Certain Offenses Involving Children. French was arrested in Culpeper County with assistance from the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. He appeared before a magistrate who ordered that French be held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail. This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges may be filed.

“Any tips about the exploitation of children are taken seriously,” said Chief Chris Settle. “The Culpeper Police Department is committed to protecting our children at all costs. The people who commit crimes like these will be held accountable, and will be charged to the fullest extent of the law. I encourage parents and guardians to be fully involved in their children’s online lives, and remain vigilant of online predators that target our youth. NCMEC offers in-depth resources and information for families about keeping children safe online.”

The Culpeper Police Department thanks the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office, NCMEC, and our partners with the Northern Virginia –Washington DC Internet Crimes Against Children (NOVA-DC ICAC) Task Force for their assistance with these investigations. The Culpeper Police Department is an active member of the NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force, which is coordinated by the Virginia State Police.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Hays at 540-829-5508 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting an online tip at culpeperpd.org. Cyber tips can also be submitted to NCMEC at CyberTipline.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Attached Photos: Gregory French, 25, of Culpeper VA