Sting targeting internet predators nets 23 arrests, announces Ft. Bend Co. sheriff

RICHMOND, TX (KTRK) -- Twenty-three men accused of trying to solicit children online were arrested in a month-long sting, announced the Ft. Bend County Sheriff's Office Thursday morning.

The men come from a variety of backgrounds. One of the suspects, Mehm Gozegir, is a Ph.D. fellow at the Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center.

PHOTOS: Mug shots of those arrested

When we knocked on Gozegir's door, his roommate answered. Mohammed Sultany told us that Gozegir was at work. He said his roommate was arrested about two weeks ago. However, Sultany said he was told it was for speeding.

"I'm really shocked about this," said Sultany, who only moved in as a roommate six months ago.

Law enforcement won't tell us how long they have worked on the sting. We do know that the sheriff's office worked on the sting, along with the Missouri City Police Department, Katy ISD police and Sugar Land police. The objective was to identify and arrest individuals engaging in the solicitation or online sexual exploitation of children through social media. Officers with the Internet Crimes against Children task force identified the suspects through communication on social media.

"These aren't the deep dark corners of the Internet that only certain people know about," said Sgt. Jarret Nethery. "These are areas of the Internet that children have access."

Darrell Helton, of Sugar Land, is another suspect. He lives in a quiet subdivision filled with dogs, kids and families. Eyewitness News knocked on his door. Helton opened the door, but slammed it shut as soon as we identified ourselves.

His neighbors sensed something was wrong, but wasn't sure what.

"He's nice guy," said neighbor Rita Ali. "He never complained. Though right now I don't know, (there are) a lot of people coming and going."

Investigators say these suspects have only one commonality: looking for underage sex online.

Gozegir has been placed on leave by Baylor College of Medicine pending the outcome of an investigation. His roommate remains stunned.

"We watched movies, and we go to cinema. I really don't know, when did he do that," Sultany said.

The following is a list of those arrested, including the name, age, hometown, charges and bond totals:

Of the 23 men arrested, eight have posted bond, including Brown, Munoz, Webb, Gozegir, Alley, Pelham, Helton and Hernandez. The rest of the suspects remain in the Fort Bend County Jail.=

Other agencies participating in the sweep included Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Houston Police Department the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office, the Spring Valley Police Department and the Rosenberg Police Department.

This operation comes on the heels of another operation that netted 12 arrests.