Undercover Initiative Targets Digital Threats in Sin City

Hacker in hoodie arrested at computer desk.

Eight men arrested in Las Vegas sting operation targeting online child predators, with one suspect facing additional charges for attempted production of child pornography.

At a Glance

  • Las Vegas police conducted a sting operation on December 5 and 6, arresting eight men for luring minors online
  • One suspect, Matthew Webb, faces an additional charge of attempted use of a minor to produce pornography
  • Multiple agencies participated, including the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and Homeland Security
  • Six of the arrested men posted bail, while one remains in custody due to an unrelated case
  • The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat online child predation in the Las Vegas area

Las Vegas Sting Operation Nets Eight Suspects

In early December, Las Vegas law enforcement agencies conducted a targeted sting operation aimed at apprehending individuals who use the internet to lure minors for sexual purposes. The two-day operation, which took place on December 5 and 6, resulted in the arrest of eight men, all facing charges of luring a minor with a computer to engage in sex.

The arrested individuals have been identified as David Bryant, Shawn Carter, Dominique Davis, Marvin Farfan, Deangelo Kind, Christopher Miller, and Matthew Webb. Among these suspects, Matthew Webb faces an additional, more severe charge of attempted use of a minor to produce pornography, highlighting the gravity of his alleged actions.

Multi-Agency Collaboration in Child Protection Efforts

This operation was not conducted in isolation but was the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force played a crucial role, working alongside the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. Additional support came from Homeland Security, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and various local police departments, demonstrating the comprehensive approach taken to address this serious issue.

The involvement of federal agencies such as the FBI and Homeland Security underscores the national priority given to combating online child predation. This collaborative effort ensures that resources and expertise from various levels of law enforcement are brought together to protect vulnerable minors from online threats.

Legal Proceedings and Bail Status

Following their arrests, six of the eight men were able to post bail and have been released from custody. These individuals are scheduled to return to court in January to face their charges. The judicial process will determine the full extent of their legal consequences based on the evidence gathered during the sting operation.

However, one suspect, Deangelo Kind, remains in custody without the possibility of bail. This decision is not directly related to the current charges but stems from a suspended sentence in an unrelated case. Kind’s situation highlights how prior legal issues can compound the severity of new allegations, potentially leading to more stringent pretrial detention measures.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Online Child Predation

This recent sting operation in Las Vegas is part of a broader, ongoing effort to address the serious issue of online child predation. Law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly focusing on proactive measures to identify and apprehend individuals who use digital platforms to exploit minors.

The success of this operation serves as a warning to potential offenders and a reminder to parents and guardians about the importance of monitoring children’s online activities. As technology evolves, so do the methods used by predators, making constant vigilance and education crucial in protecting young people from online dangers.

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8 Arrested in Vegas Child Sex Sting Operation