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MCSO: 'Illegal alien' who wanted sex with child was among 47 people busted in sting

The McLennan County Sheriff's Office says it busted dozens of 'Johns' in a prostitution sting.

The McLennan County Sheriff's Office busted 47 "Johns" accused of trying to meet prostitutes in a recent sting operation, deputies announced Monday.

"Some of these people here are sick beyond belief," McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said during an afternoon press conference.

An "illegal alien" drove all the way from San Antonio to have sex with what he thought was an 11-year-old girl, McNamara said. According to the McLennan County Sheriff's Office, that particular suspect, Crescendo Resendez-Galicia, originally planned to have sex with a 14-year-old before deciding that girl was "too old."

At least one other person who was arrested was a repeat offender who was previously arrested by Waco Police, McNamara said. Another man named Jared James was a teacher at Rosebud-Lott ISD, according to authorities.

"It's discouraging when you see this many low-lifes out there doing this," McNamara said. "But it's very rewarding when we see how many we are catching and hopefully getting them off the street."

One of those arrested in the sting was an off-duty Waco Police Officer, whose arrest was already announced.

"As long as the fish keep biting, we're going to keep throwing them in jail," McNamara said.

The McLennan County Sheriff's Office said this operation was part of the Johns Suppression Initiative, which happens twice a year. In the summer of 2017, the Sheriff's Office arrested 71 Johns during the operation -- ranking fifth in the nation. Even with fewer arrests this winter, the department still ranked sixth in the nation for most arrests made.

McNamara said, during these stings, his office works with Unbound, an organization that works to prevent human trafficking in Central Texas. When deputies find female prostitutes who are believed to victims of trafficking, they turn them over to Unbound, which helps the women get back on their feet.

"We normally don't throw the ladies in jail that are being trafficked," McNamara said. "...we're not just throwing people in jail, we're trying to save lives if we possibly can."

Investigators are still searching for one of the suspects, who has two warrants out for his arrest. That suspect was identified by authorities as Anthony Strong.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Watch the press conference below.

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