A multi-agency sting operation in North Carolina leads to the arrest of 23 men accused of soliciting underage children online, highlighting the ongoing battle against sexual predators.
At a Glance
- Operation Millstone, a five-day undercover operation, resulted in the arrest of 23 men charged with soliciting underage children online.
- The Invictus Task Force, a collaboration of local, state, and federal agencies, led the operation from October 23-27.
- Officers posed as juveniles aged 12 to 14 to catch predators attempting to arrange meetings for sex with children.
- Among those arrested was a registered sex offender from Virginia, highlighting the need for tougher laws and sentencing.
- Law enforcement officials emphasize the increasing prevalence of such crimes and the need for proactive measures to protect children.
Operation Millstone: A Coordinated Effort to Protect Children
Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons announced the successful conclusion of Operation Millstone, a five-day undercover sting operation that resulted in the arrest of 23 men charged with soliciting underage children online. The operation, which took place from October 23-27, involved 19-20 law enforcement agencies across North Carolina, demonstrating the power of inter-agency collaboration in combating child exploitation.
The Invictus Task Force, a collaboration of local, state, and federal agencies, spearheaded the operation. This task force is the first in North Carolina to employ a full-time, proactive approach to investigating cyber tips and uncovering human trafficking and exploitation cases. Sheriff Simmons described the scale of the operation, stating, “During our projects, we had 100 people here at any one time.”
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Undercover Tactics and Arrests
The operation involved officers posing as juveniles aged 12 to 14 to catch predators attempting to arrange meetings for sex with children. Law enforcement officials engaged with suspects online, facilitating their eventual arrest. Among those apprehended was Michael Todd Villines, a registered sex offender from Virginia, underscoring the recurring nature of such offenses and the need for stronger preventive measures.
Sheriff Gregory Seabolt emphasized the proactive nature of their approach, stating, “It is our job to lure these individuals to make a mistake and communicate with us when they think they are communicating with a 12- or 13-year-old. They are trying to infiltrate the bedrooms of our minors by phones and computers.”
The Ongoing Battle Against Child Exploitation
The success of Operation Millstone highlights the persistent threat of child exploitation and the need for continued vigilance. Sheriff Terry Johnson emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We’re losing young people every day to crimes that these individuals are committing.” This operation serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable children.
The operation also revealed the disturbing reality that these predators often appear to be ordinary individuals, making them difficult to identify. This underscores the importance of continued public awareness and education about online safety for children. As Kernersville Police Chief Jason Tilley warned, “It is naïve to think these are the only ones out there, we know there are more. But if you even consider coming to our area, you will be hunted down.”
A Call for Stronger Measures
The success of Operation Millstone has reinvigorated calls for tougher laws and sentencing to prevent repeat offenses. Law enforcement officials stress the need for legislative action to ensure that those who prey on children face severe consequences. The operation’s name, inspired by a biblical passage, reflects the gravity with which these crimes are viewed: “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:2).
As the Invictus Task Force continues its mission to protect children from online predators, the message to potential offenders is clear: law enforcement is watching, and the consequences for these heinous acts will be severe. The collaborative effort demonstrated in Operation Millstone serves as a model for future initiatives to combat child exploitation and ensure the safety of our most vulnerable citizens.
Sources:
23 men accused of trying to arrange sex with children
23 arrested following multi-agency undercover sexual predator sting operation
Officials announce arrest of 23 accused child sexual predators
23 Men Arrested In Multi-Agency Undercover Sexual Predator Sting Operation
