Dozens arrested in undercover sting targeting sexual predators

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Dozens of men are under arrest for trying to target children online for sexual purposes, following a three-month-long undercover sting.

During the months of April, May, and June 2016, the Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which targets Internet based sexual predators, arrested 28 adults who were allegedly using the Internet for the sexual exploitation of children online.

During these undercover operations, authorities say some of the men were arrested when they showed up for what they believed was a meeting for sex with a minor previously contacted online. They were then charged with the felony offense of online solicitation of a minor.

Some of the suspects were also charged with the felony offense of possession of child pornography, during the course of the investigation.

ICAC Division Chief Mary Nan Huffman said, "The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to aggressively pursue those that seek to victimize our children through the Internet. The effectiveness of this Task Force is reflected by these predators being arrested and charged. We will continue these efforts until these offenders realize that you do not prey on the children of Montgomery County."

The ICAC Task Force consists of officers from the Conroe Police Department, all five of the Montgomery County Constable's offices, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Montgomery County ICAC Task Force asks that anyone with information concerning illegal conduct or other potential victims by these suspects to call the ICAC Tip Line at 936-760-6910.