Today, The Guardian: A Law Enforcement Podcast continues its series exploring the realities of living in a cyber world with Starkville Police Chief Mark Ballard, Dr. Bekah Sparks, and Starkville Police Department Sgt. Chris Jackson. Together, they introduce listeners to the Yahoo Boys, their evolution into a global cybercrime threat, and the social engineering tactics used to target victims online.
Dr. Bekah Sparks is an Extension Project Specialist with the Trauma-Informed Parenting and Professional Strategies (TIPPS) team. She earned a B.A. in Communication, an M.S. in Instructional Technology, and a Ph.D. in Human Development & Family Science, all from Mississippi State University. With 16 years of technology education and support experience at Mississippi State University Extension, Dr. Sparks now helps to develop and support statewide family and child development programs that turn developmental research into practical, evidence-based resources for daily living. Her work bridges developmental research and real-world technology for Mississippi families, transforming findings on family and child development into actionable strategies parents and guardians can apply at home, in the car after practice, or during late-night conversations about social media, privacy, and identity. She is committed to making digital wellbeing guidance accessible, culturally responsive, and informed by authentic family experiences—empowering parents and teens not merely to manage technology but genuinely thrive with it.Sergeant Christopher Jackson serves with the Starkville Police Department, leading cybercrime investigations and specializing in digital forensics, cyber-enabled crimes, and technology-facilitated exploitation cases. He holds degrees in Management Information Systems and Computer Programming Technology, graduating with honors from both institutions.
Recognized as an expert witness in digital forensics by Mississippi's 16th Circuit Court, Sergeant Jackson regularly provides testimony related to digital evidence and forensic examinations. He also serves as a law enforcement instructor, training officers in cybercrime investigations, digital evidence collection, and emerging technology threats.
Throughout his career, he has worked alongside local, state, and federal partners on cybercrime, fraud, online exploitation, and digital forensic investigations. In 2024, he received the Significant Case Award from the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) for outstanding investigative work and has completed extensive advanced training through NCFI, NW3C, IACIS, and the ICAC Task Force Program.
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