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.”