The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office arrested 31 suspects involved in an undercover online child sex crimes operation as part of “Operation Deja Vu.” These suspects, ranging from ages 20 to 80 and coming from 5 different counties, reportedly engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with people who they believed were minor children.
As a result of the undercover operation, 33 cell phones, 10 vehicles, drugs, champagne, lubricants, condoms, HP tablets, and other drug paraphernalia were seized to be reviewed as evidence.
Ohio ICAC Task Force Commander David Frattare stated that a lot of offenders feel very comfortable. They simply believe the child is home alone and enter the residence in an attempt to engage in the activity they expressed interest in.
What Is “Operation Deja Vu”?
How did Operation Deja Vu play out?
Undercover police officers posed as minors under 16 years old. The 31 sex crime suspects talked with the “children” on popular social media apps and sent them photos of their genitalia.
All 31 suspects agreed to meet with the “children” at an undisclosed location in Cuyahoga County. These individuals knocked on the door of a residence only to be arrested by officers. The items mentioned above were seized and may be used as evidence in court. Currently, the suspects are in custody at the Cuyahoga County Jail.
Expert Defense for Sex Crime Charges in Cleveland
Sex crimes are among the most serious accusations a person can get, as the penalties exceed far beyond prison and fines. Convicted offenders will be required to register in the Attorney General’s electronic Sex Offender Registry and Notification (eSORN), a publicly accessible database that includes the offender’s personal and criminal information, such as their name, address, race, date of birth, offense description, risk assessment, and more. As a result, offenders could lose access to housing, employment, higher education, and loans while suffering humiliation from friends, family, and even strangers.
With this in mind, if you are accused of a sex crime such as child pornography or an internet sex offense, get experienced criminal defense immediately. Patituce & Associates brings 70+ combined years of experience and a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney to the table, as well as a track record for achieving favorable case results on behalf of countless clients.
Your fight for freedom begins when you schedule your free consultation online or at (440) 471-7784. We are here for you 24/7.