SIX PEOPLE ARRESTED IN UNDERCOVER CHILD PREDATOR STING
On April 13, 2023, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted a child predator sting where investigators used multiple dating applications, social media sites, and other online platforms to pose as underage boys and girls. The people contacted the profiles online and offered to meet a person they believed to be a child for sex. When the people arrived to meet the child, they were instead contacted by law enforcement and arrested.
During the mission, multiple people immediately ended their conversations once they learned the person they were talking to clearly identified as a minor who provided a specific age.
The following people were arrested for the felony crimes of luring a minor and online sexual corruption of a child in the first degree:
- Sean Baba, 29, of Portland. Baba was working as the Director of Music Ministry at St. Pius X Church and School in the Cedar Mill community. The church and school were notified of his arrest and have fully cooperated with the investigation.
- Henry Banegas Interiano, 26, of Portland
- Ethan Caddy, 19, of Vancouver
- Te’Vari Jenkins, 26, of Gresham. Jenkins was working as a Director of Child Development Programs for the Club K program in the Tigard area.
- Sincere Peoples, 21, of Beaverton
- Jackson T. West, 27, of Portland
Detectives are concerned there may be more victims of these six people and are asking anyone with additional information to call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2700.
The Sheriff’s Office regularly conducts undercover operations, both full-scale stings and day-to-day chats, targeting child predators. The Sheriff’s Office receives thousands of child abuse reports each year and these pro-active missions are designed to identify and contact people before they victimize an actual child.
Parents are encouraged to help their children be safe online and to be aware of the websites and mobile applications their kids are using. The Sheriff’s Office provides online safety education for parents and community organizations upon request.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Lake Oswego Police Department for assisting with the sting.
Comments
Post a Comment