Kendall County court authorizes $32,453 ICAC subgrant application for sheriff’s office

Kendall County Judge Stolozik and the commissioners on Wednesday authorized county staff to submit an FY26 Southern Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force subgrant application through the Office of the Attorney General to equip the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.

The resolution approved by the court authorizes a subgrant application seeking $32,453 to purchase specialized investigative equipment and related training for digital forensics. Judge Stolozik made the motion and Commissioner McCall seconded; the clerk recorded the motion as carried 4–0.

The grant request was presented by Christina Pasey, who described the application as a first‑time subgrant for the county and said county staff compiled the documentation collaboratively with sheriff’s office investigators, purchasing and IT staff, the treasurer and the county auditor. "This grant is a task force subgrant, and this is the first time that this grant has been applied for," Pasey said.

Lieutenant Kevin Klerner told the court the tools would help investigators "enhance" digital evidence and streamline investigations, especially in online child‑exploitation cases. An investigator for the sheriff’s office described the software’s use in enhancing images and videos, extracting metadata and distinguishing AI‑generated material; the investigator said certification training to operate the software is included in the request. "The software will help enhance those photos or videos," the investigator said, adding that captured metadata and an audit trail would support admissibility in court.

Pasey and staff clarified that conference registration fees for the ICAC meeting will not be included in this application because the district attorney’s office will cover registration. County staff also said they do not expect ongoing subscription costs for the requested software, but noted possible future insurance or maintenance expenses for purchased equipment and that staff will confirm any recurring costs.

Following the vote, the county said staff will file the application with the task force subcommittee for review; the subcommittee will notify the county which requested items are approved. County staff also indicated a budget adjustment would be processed, if needed, to record the anticipated grant revenue and related expenditures.

The court took no further action on grant acceptance at the special meeting; acceptance, budget adjustments and implementation requirements will be considered by the full court as the award process proceeds.