Eleven people were arrested in a sting operation targeting online child predators conducted by federal and state authorities.Fayetteville police recently partnered with Homeland Security Investigations, the Arkansas State Police Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to solicit children for sexual activity online, according to a news release from the Fayetteville Police Department.ICAC participating agencies included the Arkansas State Police, Springdale Police Department, Harrison Police Department, Tontitown Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Benton County Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.The operation resulted in the arrests of 11 individuals on charges of internet stalking of a child, and all except Gregory Grigsby were additionally charged with traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor:Selvin Choc, 26, of SpringdaleYovany Moran, 30, of Noel, Mo.Jose de Jesus Reyes Afanador, 36, of SpringdaleDalton Pack, 25, of Siloam SpringsTrey Hughes, 32, of Siloam SpringsJoseph Burke, 30, of Siloam SpringsAlvaro Mandujano, 41, of RogersBrett Kern, 48, of Cave SpringsEfrain Ramos, 43, of RogersAshton Jones, 32, of FayettevilleGregory Grigsby, 40, of Stilwell, Okla.Sgt. Stephen Mauk, a spokesman for Fayetteville police, said the operation was conducted over the past couple weeks.All of the arrested individuals, except Grigsby, traveled to, or within, Washington County in order to facilitate meeting with minors for unlawful sexual activity, Mauk said.He said Grigsby was arrested in Adair County, Okla., on suspicion of internet stalking of a child.The Fayetteville Police Department encourages parents and guardians to talk with children about online safety and report suspected online child exploitation to law enforcement, according to the release.Gregory GrisbyJose ReyesJoseph BurkeSelvin ChocTrey Alexander HughesYovany MoranEfrain RamosAlvaro MandujanoAshton JonesBrett KernDalton Pack
Tracy Neal
tneal@nwaonline.com
Tracy Neal is an award-winning reporter who covers criminal justice (courts and crime) for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He’s been a reporter in Northwest Arkansas for more than two decades. He’s from Bastrop, La.
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