A four-day undercover sting targeting online child predators led to the arrest of 12 men, with active investigations underway for two additional suspects, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced.
The initiative, dubbed “Operation Firewall,” was carried out by the sheriff’s office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Investigators set up undercover communications online with individuals attempting to travel to meet minors for sexual activity.
According to officials, suspects who believed they were arranging meetups with teenagers were instead intercepted by members of the sheriff’s office SWAT and Fugitive Units.
Authorities noted that suspects who did not travel still face various child exploitation-related charges.
“If you’re looking to sexually exploit our children, you better think again,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “To child predators, our message is simple: we will find you, we will stop you, we will arrest you and we will hold you accountable.”
Sheriff’s officials also issued a warning to families regarding online safety, advising parents to monitor their children’s digital activity and watch who they interact with online.
Authorities identified the 12 men arrested during the operation:
- Khamhou Sengdara, 34
- Nataniel Pusey, 25
- Kelvin Cruz, 23
- Jaedyn Wells, 22
- Jarron Papale, 34
- Derryn Mobley, 31
- Cameron Taylor, 29
- James Taylor, 67
- Terry Burger, 47
- Hayden L’esperance, 26
- Charles Hendry, 65
- Giovanni Roman, 31
The sheriff’s office stated that the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to pursue two additional suspects connected to the operation.
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