FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — In a crackdown on child predators soliciting sex from minors, Fairfax County Police arrested 10 suspects with investigative assistance from a K9.
The operation was done over three days in December. Undercover detectives posing as minors communicated with offenders using online platforms. According to police, the offenders started sexually-related conversations and came to Fairfax County with the intent of meeting minors for sex. But instead, detectives were waiting to arrest them.
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The 10 men arrested by police are between ages 22 and 44 and are collectively charged with 25 felonies. They are being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.
“In this case, 13 and 14-year-old boys and girls were portrayed by our undercover detectives, and they intentionally met with the undercover detectives for the purpose of committing an illegal sex act with a minor,” said Police Chief Kevin Davis at a news conference Thursday. “That’s a serious felony in Virginia as it should be. We take it very seriously. And I’m sad to report the success of our operation. But I’m also satisfied that 10 predators are in jail this holiday season.”
The offenders charged in the sting are:
Michael Flannery, 33, of Winchester, charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Casto Ian Unson III, 35, of Vienna, charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Ravi Vongavolu, 24, of Herndon, charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Rabiul Islam, 44, of Arlington was arrested and charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old and attempted production of CSAM.
Osman Aslan, 30, of Vienna, charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Estuardo Orozco Orozco, 27, of Falls Church, charged with computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Mohamed Elnefili, 38, of Qatar who was staying in Springfield, was charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Roy Hayes, 22 of Herndon, charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Imran Ahmad, 42, of Ashburn, charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
Bassem Karam, 36, of Herndon, charged with attempted indecent liberties and computer-solicitation of child under 15-years-old.
The operation, was known as Operation ADC (Adult Detention Center) Express 2. The police department’s first Operation ADC to catch sexual predators was done last year.
The police chief noted an electronic detection K9 dog named Delaware helped bust the child predators.
“What Delaware does, is he searches for and is trained to search for electronic devices,” said Davis. “Electronic devices are really important to these predators because they store their sexual child abuse material on their cell phones, on their laptops, on their iPads. And when they store this illegal illicit activities, their crimes. They hide these devices, often they hide them in their homes, they hide them in their cars, they hide them in their yards. They put them in all sorts of places in an effort to keep them away from law enforcement.”
Deputy Chief of Investigations Eli Cory noted the arrested predators come from different walks of life, from construction workers to journalists and tech industry professionals.
“I remember, and you all remember, one of the most important lessons you learn as a child very early on is don’t talk to strangers. And I think today, you talk to any kid, they’re going to tell you, yeah, I know, I don’t talk to strangers,” said Cory. “But some children, it doesn’t resonate the same way online. Don’t talk to strangers online. That’s why it’s so important that we do things like Operation ADC Express.”
In light of the child predator bust, police are encouraging parents to monitor their children’s online activity and use security settings to block inappropriate platforms. Children are encouraged to report any people starting inappropriate conversations or trying to get sexually explicit images of minors.
“I think the most important thing that we can do as parents is to have those tough conversations with our children and get involved with what things they’re doing online, what apps they’re using, what games they’re playing and who they’re talking to,” said Cory. “Because it might seem like it’s just another person online, or a friend that they’re playing an Xbox game with. But these people are truly strangers that we don’t need to engage with and provide information to or meet in real life.”
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has more tips on keeping children safe online. Anyone with information about the child sex predator sting can contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 6, or submit a tip through Crime Solvers.
