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25 Men Arrested During Undercover Child Sex Sting (With Names, Mugshots)
June 27, 2011
Twenty-five men have been arrested on felony charges after an intensive week-long undercover operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies determined they were using the internet to arrange sexual encounters with minors.
“Operation Blue Shepherd” began June 20 with 30 officers from local, state and federal agencies participating. Officers conducted the undercover investigation from a house in the northeast part of Pensacola.
Pensacola Police Capt. Paul Kelly said officers used various social networking and e-commerce sites to respond to advertisements of a sexual nature and to place similar advertisements.
The suspects specifically described various sexual acts they were going to do with the male and female children ages 12 to 14 whom they believed they were talking with. All of the suspects, except one who took a taxi, drove to the undercover house with the intent to perform these sexual acts with the children. Upon arrival, they were arrested and questioned.
Kelly said officers were surprised to find so many eager participants from the immediate Pensacola area.
“We expected to have more violators traveling from outside the area. What this tells me is that these violators do not have to travel far to find their victims. They are much closer to home than we imagined. Most of them were not reluctant or frightened to approach the door of a stranger’s house. They literally pulled up to the house and walked quickly to the door eager to meet the child,” Kelly said.
Arrested were:
- Joseph Caine, 21, of 1051 Pinedale Lane, Cantonment. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Karl Scheffing, 40, of 2426 Rebout Ave., Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Christopher Saldana, 24, of 36 Bay Cove, Freeport. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony, and possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams.
- Michael Armstrong, 21, of 645 James Lee Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. Charged with lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim 12 to 16 years old, using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Matthew Marana, 27, address unavailable. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- James Hadley, 36, of 4051 E. Olive Road, Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Robert Dawson, of 4281 Magnolia Crossing, Pace. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, travel to meet after using computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Richard Mays, 26, of 1192 Jennings Trace, Holt. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Jason Vargas, 20, of 1082 Barracks, Corry Station. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- William Taylor, 47, of 1200 Scenic Highway, Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- William Colpetzer, 35, of 5001 Grande Dr., Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, travel to meet after using a computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Edwin Gennette, 42, of 5369 Pecos Pass, Gulf Breeze. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Delon Nicholas, 26, of 6115 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, travel to meet after using a computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Adam Barnes, 24, of 1459 Sturbridge Place, Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- James Churchill, 56, of 2099 Tujagues Place, Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, travel to meet after using a computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Eric Ochoa, 32, of 2858 N. 32nd Ave., Milton. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Jason Halford, 36, of 405 Crum St., McKenzie, AL. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Preston Wipf, 21, address unavailable. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, resisting without violence, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Jason Bingham, 26, of 8990 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Donald Ward, 40, of 1756 Hunter Ave., Mobile, AL. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure child, travel to meet after using a computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Edward Lagrouge, 34, of 5175 Cherry Blossom Lane, Milton. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Vincent Claflin, 21, of One Sharilyn Dr., Shalimar. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, travel to meet after using computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Eric Crawford, 25, of 8595 Wilburn Cove, Navarre. Charged with using a computer to solicit parent/guardian consent, travel to meet/use computer to solicit guardian, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Patrick Quick, 28, of 134 Lovette Place, Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, travel to meet after using computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
- Timothy Danley, 18, of 10025 Hillview Dr., Pensacola. Charged with using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure child, travel to meet after using computer to lure child, and using a 2-way communication device to facilitate felony.
Agencies participating in Operation Blue Shepherd were the State Attorney’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement , Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Tallahassee Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Most of the agencies are members of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which funded the operation, and used it as a means of cracking down on internet sexual crimes against children.
Comments
49 Responses to “25 Men Arrested During Undercover Child Sex Sting (With Names, Mugshots)”
I cannot believe the young men that were busted in this. When I was in my twenties I was having the time of my life with twenty year old women. Now, I just turned 30 and married one of those 25 year old women I could not be more content. Why cant you just seek out women your own age. I can only think there is more than just sexual interest but other sinister motives as well. I come from a family that was wrecked by a predator who lived next door, and took years before he was busted. I’m glad law enforcement is doing a better job and arresting these scum bags.
I agree with getting real preditors off the streets, but think about it preditors don’t go on adult sites lookings for kids. the real preditors are hiding cause of these stings. they are using Craigslist to do these stings and violating all terms of use agreements of Craigslist. Craigslist has an age verification in order to place an ad. the law enforcement is creating crimes on an adult website just to get a bonus. the real preditors are still out there and the law enforcement is protecting them by doing these illegal stings.
One of these “so called ” human beings is my brother. I have been thinking for months why he would do such a thing and I can’t come up with a good reason. He’s a disgusting infividual and I hope he gets the fullest extend of the law. We were brought up to know the difference between right and wrong and he did it anyway. Shame on him. He can blame it on society, our parents and anyone else he can think of, but at the end of the day, he knows what he’s done. I know this sounds harsh comming from his “little sister” but as far as me and my family are concered, we have one less brother in our family.
Thats crazy I know one of these guys is in the Air Force O_O
Huh….are you:
A) A convicted felon yourself who blames the Legal System for his/her crime(s)
B) A Predator who has not yet been caught (yet)
C) A Defense Attorney
D) Completely clueless individual who does not (hopefully) have children of your own
Well for your information I do have children, 3 daughters no less. 2 of whom meet the age criteria for which these LOSERS, were attempting to meet for sexual contact. Can you even begin to fathom the thought of one of your own being in contact with someone like this? No you obviously cannot, or do not care. Yes, as a parent I accept my responsibilities to keep my children safe and loved. I also do my best to educate them on the low-lifes who will use any means necessary to get to them. But, to actually point the finger in this situation at the law enforcement for “entrapment”? Are you serious? Thank God for the people who were involved in this sting and I hope they get convictions on every single one of these scum-bags. As a sidenote, one of these losers actually works where I work (a large company and not a close associate) and has been attempting to get assistance with his Bail Bond! I seriously would have difficulty being near an individual like this knowingly. Please Judge…keep these men without bail, for their sake AND our children’s.
I used to play World of Warcraft with Delon Nicholas aka Deji of Bonechewer – Alliance. I never would have expected that of him. Kind of scary to think someone like that played a video game with a large population of children. Who knows how many were approached from within that game.
REGARDING:
” seize the vehicles they used to drive there and the computers they used to communicate with”
I like the way you think. With any luck, law enforcement would become self-supporting and crime would cease to pay.
David for paying for crimes via forfeiture
Just think, these are only the ones caught in this ONE sting, this ONE time. So how many more are out there?
Please tell me that since the State Attorney’s Office has these files under their control, that the Task Force has turned their efforts to filing civil forfeiture against these individuals and the instrumentalities of the crimes (i.e.. seize the vehicles they used to drive there and the computers they used to communicate with).
Hit ‘em again, and when that’s over hit ‘em again and then hit ‘em again.
I appreciate our law enforcement on catching these horrible people! I they spend the rest of there sick minded lives in prison where they belong!
I feel sorry for for the wives ,parents and kids who woke up to find out there love one was named on the sicko list
many good jobs will be open now..many of these guys were naval employees, transocean, technicians, project managers and engineers
Law Enforcement needs to perform stings more often and expose these pedophilic perverts. And give them life in prison.
If they got caught this time, theres no telling how many times theyve done this in the past.
An important point to consider for those of us with children. Not only am I proud that these people are off the streets for now, but we as parents need to take a more active role in paying attention to what our children are doing online.
I’ve talked to so many parents who claim that “Well, I would stand over their shoulder and look at who/what they are typing, but I want them to have some privacy and to feel as if I am their friend.”
This is the wrong attitude to take. They are minors. You as a parent are 100% responsible for their welfare. Stand over their shoulder if you need to.
The last thing kids need now-a-days is another friend.
They have friends.. they need parents.
Face it, 99% of children have no common sense when it comes to this sort of thing. They are in the mindset of “Oh, it can never happen to me”.
I can promise you that all of these pedophiles are smooth talkers on the computer and can charm their way into what they want with minimal ease.
The horrible thing about this is this is just the tip of the iceberg in this town,
this state, this country, and this world.
If the public ever really understood just how many predators are out there
they would never let their children out of their sights.
I’m for anything that will FIND and PUT THESE CREEPS WHERE THEY
BELONG.
HUH: Some of these people thought they were going to meet a 12 year old. What adult male wants to fool around with a 12 year old. This was no more of a “set up” that when L.E. opens a pawn shop and lets it be know they’ll buy stole guns and so on –no question ask–no ID needed. If you had a 12 year old would you want him or her having sex with an adult?
RE: Huh
Huh,
DON’T BLAME THE VICTIMS (or potential victims)
These men are sexual predators, PERIOD !!!
They were expecting to have sex with children !!!
There is NO excusing their behavior.
If you’re afraid of getting burned, don’t touch a hot stove.
I hope that they al receive the maximum punishment under
the law. I worked in a state prison. They are not 4 star resorts !
Sexual predators, especially those that prey on children, are
considered the “scum of the earth” by fellow inmates. These
predators that end up in state prisons will suffer as they should !
God have mercy on them !!!!
The authorities should do this on a regular basis. Pervs think they can hide in small, po-dunk towns thinking they would never get caught. We need to make them aware that “BIG EVENTS” come in small towns as well!
To Huh on June 28th… Dude you need to re-read your comments it sounds like you’re trying to defend these pervs! Sure the police set this up but they (the pervs) weren’t lured by the police. They were lured by the prospect of having sex with a TEEN, a child, someone who doesn’t know any better!
“The best way parents can keep their children safe is by not having them go online offering sex to older men. Teens should have some legal responsibly to not have sex with those who are too old as well.”
^^This statement bothers me as well^^ Teens have no legal responsibility until they turn 18. Sure they have to obey laws but we as adults have to look out for our kids because they simply aren’t wired for making long term decisions on their own. Its up to us to not take advantage of them!
I do not see it as “entrapment” when our law enforcement officers pose as children to capture predators. It is more like the radio or television Emergency Broadcast test that helps make sure all systems are ready in case of a true emergency. Dear Officers, please continue to use every means at your disposal, including computer technology, to identify and capture perverts who would prey on our children. We applaud you!!!
I find these comments disturbing, everyone calling for the “death” or hanging of these people. Can we not take into the account that they were being lured in by the police force? Sure they should know better, but 2 wrongs don’t make a right.
The best way parents can keep their children safe is by not having them go online offering sex to older men. Teens should have some legal responsibly to not have sex with those who are too old as well.
Maybe it is time to bring back the public whipping post. As stated above, there are not enough jail/prison cells nor enough probation officers to keep all this terrible stuff from happening. Robbing, killing, dope manufacturing and selling, picking up children on the internet, rape, burglary, car jacking and home invasion – these are serious crimes that have an enormous ripple effect on communities and families. The terrible toll these crimes have on the victims is horrible but we also need to consider the innocent family members of the offenders and the financial cost to the tax paying citizens. For over 60 years i have tried to pray for these social outcasts but have finally reached the conclusion that they are what they want to be and we as a nation need to say to the ACLU – WE are sick of this and are going to stop it. In parting, I will remind everyone that our founders did not think that even public hanging was cruel and unusual punishment and until the degenerate criminal population has to suffer and i mean SUFFER the consequences of their behavior these problems will continue to beleaguer our society. Please contact your lawmakers and tell them to protect our children and families by making punishments that fit the crime.
UCMJ will take of the Navy fella.
GOD bless all of those who are involved in finding these perverts. I don’t know how they go through evidence and not be affected somehow. Thank for doing what you do. GOD bless the victims and their families, may GOD give you all peace and healing knowing that they have been caught.
WHY? WHY DO THEY DO IT? THEY SCAR THESE CHILDREN FOR A LIFE TIME FOR JUST MINUTES OF SEXUAL GRADTIFICATION. THIS ACT IS SO PERVERTED AND SO SELFISH. I AM A VICTIM OF MANY YEARS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND I AM NOW 62,IF ONLY MY ABUSER HAD BEEN PUNISHED,PERHAPS HE WAS,THE DAY HE DIED. THANK YOU ALL LEO’S WHO RISK THEIR LIVES TO KEEP OUR’S SAFE.
Someome needs to make sure if and when they go to prison that they cannot hide on the “CHRISTIAN” hall or whatever they call it. I know of one that done this and I do not think this is fair. Place them in regular population and let them have to survive best they can! If they want to go to church…let them go on Sunday like most people do!
Sad… One guy is in the Navy.. Wonder who will punish him??
thanks for naming the scum good work
These guys are just plain STUPID with just one thing on their mind. Lets see how this plays out in court…usually no jail time…just probation & with a lawyer involved..entrapment will be up to the judge to decide. Sad but true fellow citizens.. not enough jail cells in this county to put these perverts away. Hopefully this sting will STING these “inocent untill proven guilty” douche bags.
I hope they string them up on a very short rope! Or maybe it should on a long one so they will have to suffer just a little bit. Sick people!
thanks again to our law enforcement for being there in our time of need. Have you ever thought about what this world would be like if not for our dedicated men and women in law enforcement. Day in and day out they put their lives on the line for us. This group has probably saved hundreds of children from the horrors of these Godless men who will spend a year or less and be turned loose on other defenseless children.
I guess they had to stop the sting, when they ran out of room at the jail.
Before the firing squad they should go!
Good Job for catching these sicko’s….now bury them under the jail!!!!!!
Get a rope !!
Way to go LEO’s!! Thank God there are still people on the planet that care about our kids and their safety. How anyone could do this children is beyond me!! I pray they receive the MAX penalty allowed….perhaps under the jail!?!?!
Let the witch hunt continue.
Makes me sick to my stomach, these are the lowest froms of life.
I hope none of these snakes have children. I say lock them up and never let them see the light of day again.
How frightening to scan the names in this article and pray none are people we know. This is depravity in one of the worse forms. Preying on young children (as far as they knew) is so horrible. THANKS to the law enforcement for bringing this issue to the public. Parents, please keep your children close to you. Now if the courts will do something to these men instead of letting them go maybe it will make a difference.
Sure hope this makes parents realize what is out there..KNOW what your child is doing on the computer!!!!
Behold the power of sexual LUST, it is NEVER fulfilled, it promises satisfaction, but only delivers destruction.
OUTSTANDING Job to all our LEOs!!!!!!
Thank you to all who had to do what seems impossible in this day and age…
… to work together for the common good!
So many are SO quick to criticize, thank you to all who made this operation
a success! Our community is just a little bit safer for children because of
your efforts.
Thank you, and God Bless our LEOs!
The title is a bit misleading. These people if guilty, are not men.
It’s alarming to know that there are many many more waiting to pray on our children and future!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise be to God for watching over our children and helping those who are involved in these sick acts to turn away from their sin. Our world needs Jesus Christ. Praying for those individuals involved, hoping that Jesus Christ will deal with their hearts and lead them to redemption. And also thank you to all the local law inforcement that helped in this investigation. God Bless
It seems like this was one of those TV deals where they get the people to come to a house then arrest them… I always wondered if they shutdown those internet sites that let these things happen, and I do hope they shutdown the one they used for this ’sting’ too.
DISGUSTING I cant wait to see the names released, praying for the families of these sick & senseless MEN who are maybe even contributing members of our society.
omg!! this is so sick!
If they jail or prison time,I guess they know that the inmates Do Not Like “scum” that prey on children (good luck fellows !).What goes around – comes around !
Thank God someone still cares about children! It is hard to believe at times. God bless our local law enforcement.
I will never understand why this happens. Why do adults continue to pry on the young to satisfy their appetite? Thank you so much to the law enforcement that continually battle against these sick individuals!