digital messenger

A digital messenger application, MeetMe Inc., reported serious allegations involving a local police officer to authorities, specifically concerning sexually explicit communications with children. On September 25, 2024, MeetMe initiated a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, providing a chat log that led investigators to Burcham, a patrol officer with the Tuscaloosa Police Department who resigned shortly after. The transcript revealed Burcham soliciting child sexual abuse material, including explicit references to an 11-year-old girl. A subpoena to Charter Communications linked the app's login activity to Burcham's residence in Northport, and a search warrant executed on his cell phone recovered graphic images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Burcham was apprehended by Tuscaloosa Police and is currently held in jail without bond as the investigation continues.