York County Police Arrest Eleven in Child Exploitation Sting

York County, South Carolina, October 2, 2025

News Summary

In a recent operation dubbed ‘Operation Huntsman,’ York County police arrested eleven individuals for attempting to meet minors for sexual encounters. This undercover sting, which occurred over two months, involved extensive monitoring of social media platforms to identify suspects interacting with undercover officers posing as minors. The charges against the suspects vary from second-degree criminal sexual conduct with minors to possession of methamphetamine, highlighting the continuous efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation.

York County Police Make Eleven Child Exploitation Arrests in Operation Huntsman

Eleven individuals were arrested in York County, South Carolina, during an undercover sting operation aimed at catching individuals trying to meet minors for sexual encounters. This initiative, known as “Operation Huntsman,” took place during August and September and involved a concerted effort from multiple law enforcement agencies.

The operation leveraged the expertise of 25 to 40 officers, analysts, and support staff from diverse law enforcement agencies. Authorities conducted extensive monitoring of numerous social media platforms, where they observed interactions between suspects and undercover officers posing as minors. The ages of the minors the suspects believed they were meeting ranged from 10 to 16 years old, highlighting the seriousness of the operation.

All arrested individuals traveled to a designated location set up by undercover officers, anticipating a meeting with a minor. Following the successful sting, additional suspects are still being identified and will face arrest once located. The investigation remains ongoing, demonstrating the continued focus of law enforcement on child exploitation.

A similar operation previously conducted in March 2021 resulted in 10 arrests, showcasing a persistent issue in the community. The eleven individuals arrested in this latest operation include:

• Travis Ethan Betts, 28, from Smoaks, SC
• Damaris Latrez Johnson, 23, from Rock Hill, SC
• Jonni Osman Pineda, 38, from Honduras (released to Federal custody, deported at least three times)
• Anthony Luis Olmedo, 43, from Charlotte, NC
• Jacob Eugene Tester, 25, from Liberty, SC
• Ralf Siehl, 57, from Indian Land, SC
• Ja’Bri Agurs Feaster, 22, from Rock Hill, SC
• Alexander Gerard Arounerangsy, 30, from Mooresville, NC
• Richard Frances Lennox Jr., 48, from Fort Mill, SC
• Wilmer Isaak Zelaya, 18, from Houston, TX
• Srinivas Mutpur, 60, from Charlotte, NC

The charges against the suspects include second-degree criminal sexual conduct with minors, criminal solicitation of a minor, and possession of methamphetamine. Notably, one suspect, Wilmer Isaak Zelaya, was charged with participating in the prostitution of a minor.

This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the US Secret Service, and several county law enforcement agencies. The efforts of these agencies reflect a united front against child exploitation.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of community vigilance and urged parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities to prevent exploitation. The ongoing commitment of law enforcement to protect children was illustrated by the sheriff’s characterization of the operation as a “battle of good versus evil.”

Background of Child Exploitation Operations

Child exploitation remains a critical issue in many communities, prompting law enforcement to undertake various operations to combat this alarming trend. These operations not only aim to arrest offenders but also serve to raise awareness about the potential dangers children face online.

By increasing proactive measures like Operation Huntsman, authorities hope to dismantle networks of exploiters and deter potential offenders. Continued education and outreach, combined with enforcement efforts, are essential in safeguarding vulnerable populations from the threats posed by child exploitation.

Overview of Arrests

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

York County Undercover Operation Nabs 11 Child Predators
Suspect Apprehended in Rock Hill Assault Case
Rock Hill Residents Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Minors
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 Police Officer Charged with Child Exploitation
Rock Hill Teacher Charged with Child Exploitation and Voyeurism
Rock Hill Teacher Doug MacAlpine Arrested Again on Peeping Charges
Castle Heights Middle School Teacher Faces Disturbing Allegations

Additional Resources

• WCNC: YCSO Arrests People Operation Online Child Predators
• Wikipedia: Child exploitation
• WISTV: Deputies Arrest 11 People in Child Exploitation Investigation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual exploitation
• QC News: York County Sheriff Holds News Conference on Child Exploitation Operation
• Google Search: Child exploitation sting operation
• Hoodline: Operation Huntsman Hooks 11 in Child Predator Sting
• Google News: Child exploitation
• WYFF4: Child Predators Undercover Operation 11 Arrests SC
• Google Scholar: Child exploitation operation

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