Tag: child exploitation

Polk County Grand Jury Indicts Dallas Man in Child Sex Abuse Case

Polk County grand jury indicts 28-year-old Alexander Eugene Frey of Dallas on multiple counts of encouraging child sexual abuse and sexual abuse following tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

• Dallas Police arrested 28-year-old Alexander Eugene Frey following tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

• Frey was accused of sharing child sexual abuse material online and sexually abusing an 11-year-old child in person.

• A Polk County grand jury indicted him on 10 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse.

• Authorities expressed concerns about potential additional victims and released his booking photo to aid the investigation.

Dallas, Oregon — The Dallas Police Department has arrested a 28-year-old local man after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the sharing of child sexual abuse material online.

Alexander Eugene Frey, of Dallas, became the focus of the investigation when authorities obtained a search warrant for his electronic devices. During the subsequent search, evidence indicated that Frey had also sexually abused a child in person. Detectives identified the victim as an 11-year-old.

A Polk County grand jury has now indicted Frey on 10 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse. He is being held at the Polk County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Based on the investigation, authorities have concerns of potential additional victims. Pursuant to ORS 133.870, Frey’s booking photo has been released to the public to help identify any further criminal activity. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Jordan Schrock at 503-831-3516.

This case highlights the critical role of tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in protecting children in the Willamette Valley region and holding those responsible accountable for these serious offenses.

Tennessee Man Accused of Luring Colerain Teen to Florida for Criminal Sexual Activity

A Tennessee man faces federal charges after authorities say he lured a missing 16-year-old from Colerain Township to Florida with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Stephen Negron, 42, was tracked to a Florida hotel where the teen was recovered.

• Stephen Negron, 42, of Rogersville, Tennessee, federally charged with transporting a 16-year-old Colerain Township girl with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

• Teen Madison Fields reported missing February 16 after telling her mother she was staying with a friend.

• Investigators tracked her to a Florida hotel with Negron using cell records, security footage, and license plate readers.

• Negron allegedly picked up the teen near her home in a silver Chevrolet truck and took her to Tennessee before traveling to Florida.

• If convicted, Negron faces 10 years to life in prison.

• U.S. Attorney praises multi-agency effort to recover the teen and prosecute those who prey on children.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — A second suspect has been federally charged in the ongoing investigation of a previously missing Colerain Township teenager who was found in Florida.

Stephen Negron, 42, of Rogersville, Tennessee, is accused of transporting 16-year-old Madison Fields with the intent of engaging in criminal sexual activity, according to U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Ohio Dominick Gerace II.

Fields was reported missing Feb. 16 after her parents had not seen or heard from her in three days. She had told her mom she was staying the weekend at a local friend’s house, a place she has stayed before. However, the parent of the friend told police the last time she saw Madison was Feb. 13.

Through cell phone records, security footage, license plate readers and a previous protection order out of Texas, investigators were able to track down the missing girl at a Florida hotel, allegedly with Negron.

If convicted, Negron could face 10 years to life in prison.

“I want to commend the excellent work of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, recovery, and prosecution,” said Gerace. “My office is proud to partner with these outstanding public servants to ensure that our children remain safe from those who seek to prey upon them.”

The investigation revealed that Madison’s father believed his daughter may have been meeting a male named Josh. A friend received a text from an unknown number claiming to be the victim saying “Tell (redacted) I’m ok,” but a follow-up response stated “She will get rape, and is being rape.”

Cell phone data showed her device powered off at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 near Cheviot and West Galbraith roads in Cincinnati. Footage from a Thorntons gas station captured a silver Chevrolet truck with Tennessee plates at the same time and location. The truck reportedly made a roundtrip from Tennessee to Cincinnati.

An individual told police that Madison had met a person online called “Dad Bod,” believed to be around 40 years old, and had previously stayed with him at a hotel. She was thought to be with that man after her disappearance.

Surveillance at Negron’s Rogersville home and discovery of a 2024 protection order from Texas involving another teen further linked him to the case. During a search of his home, authorities found a similar backpack to the one Madison had when she went missing, teenage girl’s clothes, and items connected to a phone number assigned to Negron.

That phone number later pinged to the Quality Inn & Suites at Palatka Riverfront Hotel in Palatka, Florida. Negron was located there with the minor in room 142 and arrested.

The teen told officials she met Negron on Tumblr. He reportedly told her he could give her a better life, provide necessities and clothes, and that it was okay she was 16. He allegedly picked her up down the street from her residence in a grey Silverado, had her delete things from her phone, and destroyed it. Once at his home in Tennessee, the situation reportedly differed from what she expected, with Negron stating he would have taken her even if she were younger than 16.

Negron was arrested on charges out of the Eastern District of Tennessee and will be transferred to the Southern District of Ohio to face charges involving the Colerain teen.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of collaborative law enforcement efforts in protecting minors from online predators and ensuring swift recovery and accountability in cases like this.

Digital Trail to the Doorstep: 89 Arrested and Teen Rescued in Sprawling Florida Human Trafficking Sting

An undercover sting by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office resulted in 89 arrests, over 1,200 felony charges, and the safe rescue of a missing 17-year-old girl. Authorities warn that they are following the digital trail straight to predators’ doors.

Summary:

• A multi-week undercover operation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in 89 arrests and over 1,200 felony charges.

• Detectives successfully rescued a missing 17-year-old girl who was being exploited for commercial sex.

• Suspects, including a local high school math teacher, were caught communicating with undercover detectives they believed were underage victims or individuals selling children.

• Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a stern warning to predators, emphasizing that law enforcement is actively monitoring chat apps and hotel rooms.

We are tracking a major, deeply disturbing development out of Florida today, where a massive undercover operation has blown the lid off a sprawling human trafficking network. Authorities in Hillsborough County have taken 89 people off the streets in a multi-week sting aimed directly at those seeking to sexually exploit children. But the most critical update here isn’t just the staggering number of arrests—it is the safe rescue of a missing 17-year-old girl.

This was a highly coordinated effort by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Human Trafficking Section and Internet Predator Unit. Between January and early February, undercover detectives posed online as underage victims or individuals willing to sell children.

The suspects walked right into the trap. We now know that these individuals arrived at agreed-upon locations expecting to purchase sex, having negotiated prices and logistics entirely online. Instead of finding vulnerable children, they were met by undercover detectives and swift sets of handcuffs.

Among the 89 individuals arrested is a 41-year-old math teacher from Hillsborough High School, who authorities say offered to pick up a teenager to bring back to his home. Another suspect, a 69-year-old man already serving home confinement, arranged for a rideshare to bring a juvenile to his residence. In both of these sickening instances, the suspects were actually sending their explicit messages and logistical plans directly to law enforcement.

But the most pivotal moment of this operation came when detectives located a missing 17-year-old girl being actively exploited for commercial sex. Authorities confirm she has been safely rescued and is now receiving support services. Her alleged trafficker, 23-year-old Armani Hopkins, was immediately taken into custody and charged.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister did not mince words when addressing the outcome of this bust, making it incredibly clear that predators cannot hide behind a screen. “In every instance, they were communicating with law enforcement and arranging their own arrest,” Chronister stated. “If you are using a hotel room, a chat app, or a fake profile to pursue a child, we are there. Our detectives will follow the digital trail all the way to your door.”

This operation is a harsh reality check on the pervasive nature of human trafficking and child exploitation happening right in our backyards. But it’s also a testament to the aggressive, proactive tactics law enforcement is deploying to stay one step ahead of these predators. For that 17-year-old girl, this sting meant the difference between continued nightmare and a chance at freedom. Authorities say the investigation remains active, and we will continue to follow any new charges that come down the pipeline.

“Beyond Impressive”: 11 Arrested, Infant Rescued in Record-Breaking Shelbyville Child Sex Sting

A three-day undercover operation in Shelbyville has resulted in 11 arrests and the rescue of an infant, marking the largest bust in the history of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The Breakdown

• Historic Operation: A three-day joint-agency sting marks the largest bust ever recorded by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

• Life Saved: An infant was successfully rescued from active sexual abuse as a direct result of the investigation.

• Massive Collaboration: 21 local, state, and federal agencies coordinated the targeted operation.

• The Suspects: 11 individuals were arrested, including an attorney and suspects with prior child sex crime histories.

It is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and a major victory for child safety advocates. Tonight, a dark network of exploitation has been successfully disrupted following a sweeping three-day undercover operation in Shelbyville. Authorities are calling it the largest single bust in the history of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The massive sting resulted in 11 arrests—but most importantly, it led to the rescue of an infant from ongoing sexual abuse.

The Operation

The targeted sting was a masterclass in law enforcement coordination. The Shelby County Prosecutor confirmed that officers from 21 local, state, and federal agencies joined forces to execute the operation last week.

To catch these predators in the act, undercover officers posed as minors online, communicating directly with individuals actively looking to target children. The bait was set, and the suspects took it. According to investigators, the majority of the suspects arrested traveled directly to Shelbyville with the explicit expectation of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

The dragnet pulled in a wide array of individuals. Authorities report that several of the men taken into custody already had prior histories of child sex crimes. Among those arrested were an undocumented immigrant and 58-year-old James Klimek, a practicing attorney.

While the operation focused heavily on child exploitation, it also intercepted other illicit activities. Two suspects were apprehended in neighboring counties, and one individual arrived at the sting location intending to trade methamphetamine in exchange for sexual favors with an adult.

The Suspects and Charges

Law enforcement has released the names and preliminary charges for 10 of the 11 individuals arrested. An 11th suspect was apprehended in Clinton County as part of the sting, though their identity has not yet been shared with the public.

• John Altman, 27 (Logansport, IN): Attempted Child Molest (Level 1 Felony), Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

• Robert Bland, 34 (Indianapolis, IN): Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Dealing in Cocaine (Level 4 Felony), Making Unlawful Proposition (Class A Misdemeanor), Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor)

• Jackson Renaker, 36 (Covington, KY): Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

• Frederick Walsh, 29 (Bloomington, IN): Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

• Brandon Stephens, 36 (Indianapolis, IN): Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

• Darren Stephens, 35 (Greenwood, IN): Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

• Michael Shelton, 73 (Shelbyville, IN): Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

• Daniel Martin, 47 (Oakwood, OH): Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Misconduct with a Minor (Level 4 Felony)

• Fernando Coronado-Olivares, 25 (No known address): Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

• James Klimek, 58 (Indianapolis, IN): Child Solicitation (Level 4 Felony)

This historic bust sends a clear, unwavering message to those looking to exploit the vulnerable: law enforcement is watching, they are coordinated, and they will find you. The successful rescue of an infant highlights exactly why these multi-agency task forces are so critical to community safety.

“The collaboration of so many law enforcement entities in this operation was beyond impressive,” Shelby County Sheriff Chris Holder said in a statement. “My deputies and I were happy to participate in this investigation to target those who target Shelby County kids. As I have said repeatedly, as Sheriff, I am dedicating resources specifically to these type of investigations to keep Shelby County children safe from these type of predators.”