LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Five people accused of being child predators and one person accused of soliciting prostitution are facing felony charges following a multi-agency operation.
Operation Four Leaf Felony was created after law enforcement noticed an increase in predator encounters across the Lubbock area. Specifically, with children transported to Lubbock after they were targeted online.
The online solicitation operation took place on Thursday, March 26.
The operation was a combined effort by the Lubbock Police Department’s Special Operations – Texas Anti-Gang Center Human Trafficking Unit, the LPD’s Crimes Against Children’s Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office and the Lamesa Police Department.
Arrested individuals
- Kelly Moore, 51, arrested on a charge of online solicitation of a minor
According to court documents, Moore initiated contact with someone who he believed to be under the age of 17, who was actually an undercover officer using an LPD-issued phone on a website known for prostitutions and sexual encounters.
Moore continued to speak to the agent sexually and planned to meet and pay for sexual acts. When he arrived at the predetermined location, officers made contact with Moore and arrested him.
- Landon Hernandez, 20, arrested on a charge of online solicitation of a minor
According to court documents, Hernandez initiated contact with someone who he believed to be under the age of 17, who was actually an undercover officer using an LPD-issued phone on a website known for prostitutions and sexual encounters.
Hernandez continued to speak to the agent sexually and planned to meet and pay for sexual acts. When he arrived at the predetermined location, officers made contact and arrested him.
- Joe Arredondo, 55, arrested on a charge of online solicitation of a minor
- Jose Salazar, 39, arrested on a charge of online solicitation of a minor
On March 26, according to documents, Salazar contacted someone he thought was a 16-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division Special Agent.
Salazar privately messaged the undercover agent on a social media platform. According to court documents, he continued the conversation, understanding he was talking to a 16 year old.
After agreeing to a location to meet, Salazar showed up with condoms and was placed under arrest. Documents show he admitted to officers during an interview that he was there to have sex with a 16-year-old girl.
- Rene Lincona, 36, arrested on charges of solicitation of prostitution. An ICE detainer was issued.
Lincona, according to court documents, made contact with someone he thought was promoting sexual acts on a website known for prostitution. However, the ad he contacted was under control by a LPD VICE Unit decoy.
He then began texting the officer and agreed to a meet-up spot to pay for sex. When he arrived, he was arrested and charged with solicitation of a prostitute.
- Erik Suniga, 24, arrested on charges of online solicitation of a minor and unlawful carrying of weapon
According to court documents, Suniga initiated contact with an advertisement that was an undercover officer. During communications, the officer represented themselves under the age of 17 years old.
During conversations, Suniga was using sexually explicit communication with the agent. He then expressed his intent to meet for sex and agreed to pay in exchange.
Suniga expressed his hate for police in conversations and said he was “worried LPD” would show up. He mentioned a shoot-out with police would be “awesome,” according to documents.
He agreed to to meet who he thought was a minor at a certain location and was arrested upon contact. Officers did find a gun on Suniga.
The fight against child exploitation remains a prominent focus for the Lubbock Police Department and its partnering agencies. Anyone who believes they or someone they know is a victim of child exploitation is asked to call 806-775-2937.
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