Tulsa DA: Child Sex Abuse Cases Surge Statewide

Authorities cite increased reporting and more online incidents as factors behind the rise.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:40am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stuffed animal toy, its features obscured by dramatic shadows and harsh lighting, conveying a sense of vulnerability and the troubling realities of child exploitation.A stark, unsettling close-up of a child's toy highlights the growing crisis of child sex abuse cases overwhelming Oklahoma's criminal justice system.Today in Tulsa

According to the Tulsa District Attorney's office, the number of reported child sex abuse cases in Oklahoma has skyrocketed from around 50 per month to 50 per week statewide. Professionals working in the criminal justice system attribute the spike to both heightened public awareness leading to more reporting, as well as a rise in incidents, particularly those involving online exploitation.

Why it matters

The dramatic increase in child sex abuse cases is straining resources across Oklahoma's criminal justice and social services systems, which are struggling to keep up with the surge in investigations and prosecutions. Experts say the trend reflects a troubling national problem that has only worsened with the growth of online predators and child pornography.

The details

Tulsa District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler reported that his office has seen a staggering rise in child sex abuse cases, from around 50 per month to 50 per week across the state. Professionals working in law enforcement, the courts, and social services say the spike is due to both increased public awareness leading to more reporting, as well as a rise in actual incidents, particularly those involving online exploitation of minors.

  • In the past year, child sex abuse cases have risen from around 50 per month to 50 per week statewide.

The players

Steve Kunzweiler

The Tulsa District Attorney whose office has seen a dramatic rise in reported child sex abuse cases.

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What they’re saying

“We're seeing a real strain on the system as these cases continue to pour in. It's a heartbreaking trend that's putting a major burden on law enforcement, the courts, and social services.”

— Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa District Attorney

What’s next

Authorities say they are working to secure additional funding and resources to handle the surge in child sex abuse cases, including expanding specialized units and increasing collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors, and social workers.

The takeaway

The dramatic rise in reported child sex abuse cases in Oklahoma reflects a troubling national trend driven by both increased public awareness and the growing threat of online predators. Addressing this crisis will require a coordinated, well-resourced response across the criminal justice and social services systems.