York County, South Carolina, October 2, 2025
News Summary
A recent undercover operation in York County, South Carolina, has led to the arrest of 11 individuals accused of attempting to meet minors for sexual encounters. Dubbed ‘Operation Huntsman,’ this initiative was a collaborative effort between state and federal law enforcement agencies, targeting individuals ranging in age from 18 to 63. Among the arrested were individuals suspected of bringing illegal substances and those with prior deportation records. Authorities emphasize the importance of monitoring children’s online activities to combat child exploitation effectively.
York County, South Carolina – In a significant law enforcement effort, 11 individuals have been arrested following an undercover operation targeting child predators, known as “Operation Huntsman.” This crackdown occurred between August and September and aimed to apprehend perpetrators traveling to meet minors for sexual encounters.
All suspects believed they were meeting minors aged between 10 to 16 years old. The operation was conducted with the assistance of both state and federal law enforcement agencies and involved a dedicated task force monitoring social media platforms as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) initiative.
According to law enforcement officials, the suspects arrested ranged in age from 18 to 63 years old. Among the individuals taken into custody, one suspect was found to have brought methamphetamine, indicating a likely intent to distribute it to a minor. The suspects originated from various locations, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, and even Honduras.
Notably, Jonni Osman Pineda, 38, from Honduras, was among those arrested. He had been deported at least three times prior to his apprehension and was subsequently handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Another suspect, Damaris Latrez Johnson, 23, from Rock Hill, SC, faces charges related to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and solicitation. Similarly, Anthony Luis Olmedo, 43, from Charlotte, North Carolina, is also charged with similar offenses.
- Other arrested individuals include:
- Travis Ethan Betts, 28, of Smoaks, SC
- Jacob Eugene Tester, 25, of Liberty, SC
- Ralf Siehl, 57, of Indian Land, SC
- Ja’Bri Agurs-Feaster, 22, of Rock Hill, SC (posed as a man during online interactions)
- Alexander Gerard Arounerangsy, 30, of Mooresville, NC
- Richard Frances Lennox Jr., 48, of Fort Mill, SC
- Wilmer Isaak Zelaya, 18, of Houston, Texas (charged with participation in the prostitution of a minor and possession of methamphetamine)
- Srinivas Mutpur, 60, of Charlotte, NC
Officials emphasized the importance of parents actively supervising their children’s online activities, warning that predators could be targeting minors. The initiative highlights ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation, following a similar operation in March 2021 that resulted in 10 arrests. The investigation related to Operation Huntsman remains ongoing, with additional suspects being identified for future arrests.
Law enforcement leaders, including Sheriff Tony Breeden, described the operation as a “battle of good versus evil,” underlining the critical partnerships formed with federal entities like the FBI to combat these crimes effectively.
Ongoing Investigation
The rigorous monitoring and undercover work by law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to protecting children and apprehending those who seek to exploit them. Authorities continue to gather evidence to identify and arrest more suspects involved in such predatory activities.
Summary of Key Arrests
| Name | Age | Location | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonni Osman Pineda | 38 | Honduras | Deported multiple times, transferred to ICE |
| Damaris Latrez Johnson | 23 | Rock Hill, SC | Criminal sexual conduct with a minor, solicitation |
| Anthony Luis Olmedo | 43 | Charlotte, NC | Criminal sexual conduct with a minor, solicitation |
| Wilmer Isaak Zelaya | 18 | Houston, Texas | Prostitution of a minor, possession of methamphetamine |
| Others | Various | Various Locations | Various charges |
FAQs
What is Operation Huntsman?
Operation Huntsman is an undercover operation in York County, South Carolina, aimed at apprehending individuals who travel to meet minors for sexual encounters.
How many individuals were arrested?
11 individuals were arrested during the operation.
What age range did the minors involved in the operation fall under?
All arrested suspects believed they were meeting minors aged between 10 to 16 years old.
What types of charges did the suspects face?
The charges include criminal sexual conduct with a minor, criminal solicitation of a minor, and possession of methamphetamine.
What prompted these arrests?
The arrests were part of a larger initiative to combat online predation and protect children from exploitation.
Are there more suspects identified?
Yes, additional suspects are being identified and will be arrested once located.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Police Officer Convicted of Child Exploitation in Schools
Former Police Officer Found Guilty of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Former Officer Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Former Rock Hill Officer Convicted of Child Pornography
Attorney General Pam Bondi Advocates Tough Crime Policies
Columbia: Tragic Sextortion Case Leads to Extradition
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: 11 Suspects Charged in York County Child Predator Sting
- Wikipedia: Child Exploitation
- WCCB Charlotte: Eleven Arrested in York County Child Predator Investigation
- Google Search: Child Exploitation
- WYFF4: Child Predators Undercover Operation – 11 Arrests
- Google Scholar: Child Predation
- QC News: York County Sheriff’s News Conference on Child Exploitation Operation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
