Thanks to the work of multiple agencies, which included the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, 17 men were arrested in an internet sting operation aimed at child sex predators in Las Vegas. These arrests serve as a terrifying reminder for parents to be aware of and closely monitor their children’s social media activity.
On October 13th and 14th, undercover agents posed as 13 and 14 year old juveniles on various cell phone applications. After being contacted by the supposed underaged individuals, these suspects were set up for meetings with law enforcement personnel who then swiftly arrested them. All 17 suspects have been charged with Luring a Minor with a Computer to Engage in Sex.
The 17 men arrested include:
Randy Thomsen, 38; Jazoni Hickman, 20; Siaju Brown, 20; Angel Rivera, 40; Eskipper Monasterio, 36; Daniel Frentzel, 39; Robert Kafaka II, 35; Scott Rotolo, 34; Tanner Castro, 26; Pablo Martinez, 44; Jhon Adajar, 35; Peter Forseth, 64; Andrew Logsdon, 42; Johnathan Adame, 31; Santiago Guzman (also known as Benigno Remingo-Soto), 40; Everado Escobedo, 22; and Cristian Valera-Rodriguez, 38.
An undercover multi-agency operation in October led to 17 arrests. Agents posed as juveniles and were solicited for sex.
LVMPD would like to remind parents of the dangers of online chats with strangers.
Click below for more info on these arrests. pic.twitter.com/hDkAVpR6yO
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 19, 2023
One of those arrested was former Deputy District Attorney Jose Castro who had worked for the Clark County district attorney’s office until his arrest. According to police reports, Castro used an alias “Rogue 96” while communicating online with minors and even agreed to meet one minor at a park for sexual contact in his car.
He has been charged with statutory sexual seduction along with all other persons apprehended by authorities during this investigation.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department issued an important reminder urging parents to discuss potential dangers associated with talking online strangers as well as monitoring their children’s social media activity closely so that they don’t become victims of child sex predators themselves. It is essential that parents take these steps seriously if they want their kids safe from any harm or danger lurking online.
