BREAKING: 14 Men Arrested in Undercover Child Exploitation Sting, More Suspects Still Being Sought
IRMO, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – Authorities in South Carolina say more than a dozen men are facing charges following an undercover operation targeting online child sexual exploitation.
The Irmo Police Department and several other agencies report that 14 men have been charged with criminal solicitation of a minor, with some facing additional charges.
Investigators said one or two additional suspects have not yet been identified, but they would also be held accountable.
Authorities announced the arrest of 14 men in an Irmo undercover child exploitation operation.(WIS)
The operation took place over one week in April. Investigators said the men attempted to set up sexual encounters with someone they believed was underage.
“The goal of the operation was to identify offenders, gather the evidence and intervene before any child was harmed,” Irmo Police Sgt. Kelly Mountzouros said. “Every arrest represents a potential victim who was protected.”
Officials with the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force said online predators operate across gaming systems, messaging apps and social platforms.
The majority of the suspects were taken into custody after they arrived at a predetermined location, the task force noted.
Specific apps used in the operation were not disclosed, but investigators listed platforms parents should be aware of, including Roblox, Minecraft, and any app with direct messaging capabilities.
Investigator Kevin Atkins said predators may send gifts and money to victims. But there is no typical offender profile.
“It knows no bounds; we’ve arrested doctors, police officers in these things, in these undercover chat operations, so there’s no prototypical offender that we’re looking for,” Atkins said. “People take advantage of children all the time, and it’s easy to do it online.”
Stephanie Hite, education and outreach coordinator with the task force, said parents should monitor changes in their children’s behavior when it comes to helping prevent them from becoming a possible victim.
“Be nosey; they may be upset with you, but it’s a good thing to be nosey and really ask a lot of questions,” Hite said.
Hite added that behavioral red flags include changes in clothing, withdrawal, and shifts in mood or demeanor.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and no children were used in the operation.
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