Irmo Police Department held at press conference on Tuesday, July 7 concerning the arrests of 14 individuals for sexual exploitation of children. The sting operation was held in Irmo during the month of April with the help of multiple law enforcement agencies including the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Irmo Police Department, FBI, US Secret Service, SC Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, SC Department of Corrections, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security.
Assistant Chief of Police John Hendricks along with lead investigator Sgt. Kelly Mountzouros, Chief Deputy Town Administrator Nicholle Burtroughs, Irmo Communication Director Danielle McNaughton and Public Information Director Ashley Hunter addressed members of the press on the current status of a sting operation.
“The internet has created many new opportunities for predators but has also given us as law enforcement new tools to identify them,” said Hendricks. “If you are seeking to exploit children online we will collectively and relentlessly work to find you, stop you and make sure you are held accountable.”
The operation poses undercover law enforcement officers pretending to be minors while talking to adults who wanted to solicit children for sex. One of the individuals arrested was as far away as Massachusetts. None were from the Irmo area. Ages of the offenders varied 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.”
Lead investigator on the case Sgt. Kelly Mountzouros stated that this is an ongoing investigation and thanked the agencies involved. “This all starts at home,” said Sgt. Mountzorous. “Online predators are on gaming systems, messaging apps, social platforms and anywhere and everywhere and their number one goal is to target children.”
Both Hendricks and Mountzouros stated that these are proactive investigations and very important to the community.
These are ongoing operations and more are planned for the near future.
Anyone with information concerning these crimes or others can contact the Irmo Police Department at 803-781-8088 or Crimestoppers 1-888-CRIME-SC.
