MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) — Twelve men are now sitting in a cell instead of behind a screen. They’re suspected of trying to arrange contact with potential victims online who they thought were children.
“During this operation, we had detectives pose as minors. Usually, they were under the age of 14,” says Brandon Vazquez, Merced Police Department Detective.
Merced Police led a month-long multi-agency sting. Investigators say the suspects engaged in sexually explicit conversations, then arranged to meet in person. When the suspect arrived at the meeting place, they were met with authorities prepared to take them into custody.
Six of the suspects were from Merced County, but the other six traveled from out of the area to meet their victim in Merced. Some came from as far away as Tulare and San Benito Counties.
“These individuals had clearer intent. They demonstrated that they were in fact trying to commit these crimes,” says Vazquez.
Police say these suspects used social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to lure underage boys and girls.
Detective Vazquez says even more disturbing, online predators are getting more bold, even when their supposed “victim” reveals their young age.
“Our detectives did make it very, very clear that they were under the age of 14, that they were 13 and they were minors. What was surprising to us was that these individuals continued to have conversations with these minors, knowing their age,” says Vazquez.
The suspects range in age from 21 to around 60 years old. One is already a registered sex offender.
Each have been booked into Merced County Jail and are now facing various felony sex-related charges.
The Merced Police Department is urging parents to remain vigilant, monitor their children’s online activity and to educate their children about the dangers of online interactions, especially with strangers.
By ABC 30’s Brisa Colón
