Crime & Safety
Phoenix Area Men Caught In Child Sex Sting: Attorney General
Police say nine men have been charged with various offenses related to attempted sex with minors and even child sex trafficking.
PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced indictments of nine Arizonans accused of soliciting sex acts from whom they thought were minors.
A release from the attorney general's office says the nine men were using various social media websites and applications, speaking to undercover agents acting as minors.
In January, the release says, Phoenix police partnered with law enforcement agencies in Tempe, Mesa and Chandler as well as Homeland Security and the Attorney General's office for Operation Silent Predator.
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The investigation is ongoing, but authorities have arrested the nine men below on various charges related to child sexual solicitation and more.
55-year-old Roy Edward Vasquez is charged with Aggravated Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Possession of Narcotic Drugs. Copy of indictment.
Find out what's happening in Phoenixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
35-year-old Colten Stacy Jourdain is charged with Aggravated Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment.
26-year-old Kevin Morales Evangelista is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment.
65-year-old Patrick Edward Mai is charged with Child Sex Trafficking, Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Attempted Money Laundering. Copy of indictment.
23-year-old Nicholas Dawn Benhart is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment.
23-year-old Jesus Eduardo Mendoza is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment.
29-year-old Lawrence Ruiz is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment.
28-year-old Tommy Diaz is charged with Child Sex Trafficking, Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Attempted Money Laundering. Copy of indictment.
57-year-old Franklin John Omori is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment.
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