Sting targeting online predators in Harris Co. nets 8 arrests

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities announced the arrest of eight men in an internet sting that took place last week in north Harris County.

In a news conference at the Harris County District Attorney's office, prosecutors named the eight individuals. They are: 30-year-old Rantes-Manuel Fandialan, 39-year-old Sha Hussain Tanveer, 52- year-old Abraham Arriaga and 29-year-old Rickey Adamski. Also arrested were James Tierney, 47; Damien Savannah, 36; Syed Shah, 25; and Ryan Vinson, 18.

"It seems like every other day, we're arresting a whole bunch of people, it only have to look back at the website a little bit to see dozens and dozens being arrested and they're watching the same news, and yet, just like that we got eight more," said Assistant District Attorney Shephen Driver.

"As we approach the holiday season, I think it's important to remind parents that the parental controls on electronic devices that our children may receive this weekend are very, very important," added Mario Trenio, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations.

The sting operation was conducted by the Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office, along with the Harris County Sheriff's Department, and the Houston Police Department.

Authorities say they communicated with the suspects via a variety of online websites, dating apps and social media postings. They say the suspects believed they were meeting a girl between the ages of 13-15 years old.

The arrests were made over a 3-day period.