Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale announced that 14 individuals have been arrested as part of a multi-agency undercover operation aimed at combating the online sexual exploitation of children.
The investigation involved undercover law enforcement officers posing as minors in online conversations with adults seeking to solicit children for sexual activity.
According to Chief Dale, one of the suspects was arrested as far away as Massachusetts. Those arrested range in age from 24 to 47.
“The operation demonstrates what can be done when agencies work together,” said Dale. “Our job is to keep the children safe.”
The online undercover operation began in April and remains ongoing.
Participating agencies include the Irmo Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information regarding these or other crimes is encouraged to contact the Irmo Police Department at 803-781-8088 or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
