OPD detective’s work prevents UK tragedy
An attempted kidnapping, rape, and murder case that has captivated the United Kingdom has an Owatonna detective to thank for preventing any of it from happening.
As well-known as it is in London, though, there will be very little known about the local aspect – because of the undercover nature in which it was solved.
It began last October, when an Owatonna Police Department detective was working online in an undercover capacity. The tactic is to use multiple online platforms to monitor criminal chatter in order to gather intelligence.
Using an alias of David Nelson, the officer became aware of a plot to kidnap, sexually assault, and murder London TV personality Holly Willoughby. He recognized it as a credible and immediate, active threat to her life, and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Minneapolis, as well as the London Metropolitan Police and Essex Police in the United Kingdom to intervene.
“Our detective was confident that this offender fully intended to carry out his plans,” Owatonna Police Chief Jeff Mundale said in a statement.
“While our primary focus is addressing public safety within our jurisdiction, we frequently encounter information that assists law enforcement agencies in apprehending offenders in other areas,” he said. “With the (internet), this work can expand around the globe – as we’ve seen in this case.”
That was as much as the local authorities would say about the incident, directing further questions to law enforcement agencies in the UK.
“Because this was an undercover operation, we are limited in additional details we can disclose to ensure our department can continue to be successful in future cases,” Mundale said.
He could, however, speak about his officer’s success.
“I am very proud of our detective’s work on this case and impressed by the tenacity shown in breaking into these online chats, such as Abduct Lovers … and his ability to identify plans to carry out such violent acts so they can be prevented,” the chief said.
Gavin Plumb, a former security guard, was sentenced July 12 to life in prison, with a chance of parole after 16 years. He was found guilty by a jury in early July after an eight-day trial.
When Essex Police raided Plumb’s flat in north London, they found bottles of chloroform and an “abduction kit,” complete with zip-ties.
When he was arrested and told that the allegations concerned Willoughby, Plumb told them, “I’m not gonna lie, she is a fantasy of mine.”
His plans were so “horrifying, shocking and graphic in detail” that they were not shared in open court, though the jury did hear them.
UK media frequently cited the Owatonna detective’s work as “instrumental” to the case.
“This work requires a creative ability to engage in online chats to build trust and a willingness to maintain an online presence,” Mundale’s statement continued. “While these online investigations are just part of this detective’s regular work, it is due to a strong commitment to, and interest in, working covert cases across various social media platforms that led to this case being discovered.”
The detective in this incident focuses on cases involving sex trafficking of minors, murder and rape for hire and illegal transactions involving firearms and ammunition.
“We are fortunate to have a detective who is proficient in such online investigations and continues to demonstrate impressive skills in finding and engaging in chats where these illegal activities are being discussed,” Mundale said.
The level of success, he said, “is the result of personally investing time to develop the skills required to effectively infiltrate ever-changing online platforms. The time commitment and ability to sift through the volume of chats to identify viable threats is enormous.
“This work, while extremely tedious, positions law enforcement to apprehend dangerous individuals as they plan heinous crimes. Providing real-time information to other agencies around the world as concerning chats are encountered has proven to be a proactive way to prevent crimes,” Mundale said.
The efforts demonstrate the strength of partnerships among state, federal and international agencies, he said, and highlight the importance of law enforcement continually evolving to meet the changing dynamics of public safety and how criminals use technology.
“Our department was impressed with the urgency of the other involved agencies to help prevent this offender from carrying out his plan,” Mundale said. “It demonstrates excellent, cohesive police work that prioritizes public safety.”