Online sting for child predators nets 3 local residents

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Three local residents were arrested in an online sting operation to catch sex predators.

The arrests stemmed from “Operation Sweet Tee,” conducted by the Grovetown Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Three local residents were arrested:

• Rubicel Castro-Cruz , 33 of Edgefield.
• Anthony Daquan Harley, 30, of Aiken.
• James Charles Waller, 31, of Evans.

Each was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children and committed to the Columbia County Detention Center, according to police.

From Thursday evening through early Sunday, undercover agents and investigators engaged with more than 1,000 individuals, via the internet, according to police.

Of those, 157 verified adults expressed a desire to meet for sexual activity, despite being told they were conversing with a child, according to the Grovetown Police Department.

Of that number, 12 stated they would be willing to travel to meet with the so-called child for sex and offered payment in exchange, police said. Some of the individuals engaging in the chats lived as far away as Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The investigation continues and additional charges are expected. Multiple electronic devices and two vehicles were seized as part of the operation.

In addition, an out-of-state registered sex offender was identified as one of the individuals attempting to arrange a meeting for sex with the so-called child, and a warrant has been issued for them as well.

Investigators are working to positively identify the remaining individuals engaged in the solicitation and additional charges and arrests are expected.

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