Six Central Texas Men Arrested in Hutto Child Exploitation Sting

Hutto police arrested six men from across central Texas in a weekend multi-agency child exploitation operation targeting online solicitation of minors.

Six Arrested in Hutto Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Operation

Six men from communities across central Texas were arrested over the weekend following a coordinated child exploitation operation led by the Hutto Police Department, cbsaustin.com reports.

The operation targeted individuals suspected of seeking sexual contact with children under the age of 15 through online platforms. Personnel from every unit and division of the Hutto PD took part, alongside Texas DPS, Round Rock PD and Williamson County Emergency Communications.

Scott MacNutt, 55, of Georgetown; Victor Villa Ramirez, 28, of Pflugerville; Farshad Engameh, 43, of Leander; and Jesus Soria, 34, of Round Rock were each charged with Online Solicitation of a Minor.

Aaron Menard, 37, of Hutto and Calvin Austin, 29, of Round Rock were initially taken into custody on trafficking charges. Hutto PD subsequently amended those charges to Attempted Sexual Performance by a Child.

Chief of Police Jeffrey Yarbrough said protecting children was among the department's most critical responsibilities. "This operation is a strong example of what can be accomplished when our officers, our law enforcement partners, and our community are all working toward the same goal," Yarbrough said. He added that he was "especially grateful to those who planned and coordinated this operation, and to everyone who worked behind the scenes and in the field to ensure it was carried out safely and successfully."

The investigation remains ongoing, police confirmed.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)