Four Central Texas men were arrested for online solicitation of a minor during a five-day sting operation last week in Bell County.
Approximately 25 investigators from multiple agencies spent hours chatting with potential sex predators online before nabbing the four men, who were caught at locations in Killeen and Temple.
“Our main goal is to try to keep our kids safe," Sheriff Eddy Lange said.
Deputies identified the men arrested as Jalil Aziz Townsend, 24, Matthew Jay Pederson, 33, Gerson Yonatan Paz Paz, 22, and Kenneth Edward Ricketson. Authorities said Ricketson was stationed at Fort Hood.
If convicted, the four suspects could face two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Bell County Sheriff's Office spearheaded the investigation with the help of the Texas Attorney General's Office, the Bell County District Attorney's Office and the support of police in both Temple and Killeen.