On Tuesday and Wednesday, the DPS Criminal Investigations Division, in collaboration with the APD’s Cyber Crimes Unit, conducted an undercover operation targeting individuals “attempting to take advantage of minors for sexual exploitation purposes,” according to a news release.
“With the advent of social media, it is incredibly easy to exploit children online,” Standridge said, prompting the need for a planned “community conversation” Aug. 8 at Southern Hills Church of Christ.
Ten of the suspects are from Abilene. The others resided in Garland, Sweetwater and Winters, Standridge said.
Arrested were:
► Jeffrey Akard, 57, online solicitation of a minor, $75,000 bond.
► Joseph Castleman, 35, online solicitation of a minor, $75,000 bond.
► Bryan Collins, 39, of Winters, nline solicitation of a minor, $100,000 bond.
► Raymond Cornman, 30, prostitution and soliciting a person under 18 years of age, $100,000 bonds.
► Joseph Gulick, 46, online solicitation of a minor and sexual performance by a child, $150,000 bonds.
► Elias Leyva, 27, online solicitation of a minor, $75,000 bond.
► Anthony Moreno, 28, online solicitation of a minor, $75,000 bond.
► Rafael Nanez, 19, online solicitation of a minor, $80,000 bond.
► Carlito Santos, 46, online solicitation of a minor, $75,000 bond.
► Mark Slattery, 55, of Garland, online solicitation of a minor, $75,000 bond.
► Adrian Vandervlist, 28, online solicitation of a minor, possession of a controlled substance, sexual performance by a child, $100,000 bonds.
► Joshua Walker, 30, of Sweetwater, online solicitation of a minor, $80,000 bond.
► Michael Walton, 19, online solicitation of a minor, $75,000 bond.
Special agents and detectives sought individuals who use public web pages, internet sites and social media applications to target underage children.
No mercy.