Internet crimes task force operation leads to 7 arrests

Lorain County Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson announced in a news release the morning of July 22 the arrests of seven individuals as part of “Operation Watchdog,” an undercover operation led by the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The operation ran from July 19-21 and identified multiple individuals interested in engaging in sexual activity with those whom they believed to be minor children, the news release said.

“Online predators remain a serious threat to our children,” the release said. “The Elyria Police Department and the Lorain County prosecutor believes the success of this operation will send a message to offenders that you will be found, you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted.”

The defendants, ages 24 to 53, engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with undercover officers posing as children, the release said.

The defendants expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with the purported children and/or disseminated images of their genitals during these online conversations, according to the release.

Following these interactions, the individuals traveled to pre-arranged locations to engage in sexual activity with purported children.

Upon arriving, they were arrested by law enforcement officers and transported to the Elyria Police Department and later to the Lorain County Jail.

Initial charges were filed against the defendants that include: attempt to commit an offense of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and importuning.

Each case will be presented to a Lorain County grand jury with possible additional charges, the release said.