“Operation Mask Off” results in arrests of men allegedly wanting to meet children for sex

CSRA (WJBF) – Beginning Thursday, October 31st and ending Sunday, November 3rd, the Grovetown Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, conducted "Operation Mask Off" aimed at targeting on-line child predators in and around the CSRA.

During the operation, undercover agents and investigators were engaged with over 1200 individuals, via the internet and cellular apps, of which 208 verified adults expressed a desire to meet for sexual activity.

Despite being advised multiple times that they were conversing with a "child", 43 individuals stated that they wished to travel to meet for sex, offering payment in exchange.

Of that 43, 12 indicated that they were traveling to pre-arranged meeting locations provided by the investigators.

Three individuals followed through with their plans and traveled to the meeting locations, where instead of a "child" they met members of the Grovetown Police Department.

The following three individuals were arrested after traveling to meet the "child":

Lemus, Wilson, and Minh were each charged with one count of Sexual Exploitation of Children and committed to the Columbia County Detention Center, with additional charges forthcoming.

Lemus was determined to be in the country illegally and an ICE Detainer has been placed on him as well.

Multiple electronic devices and three vehicles were seized as part of the operation.

In addition to the custodial arrests, warrants were obtained for Willie Hines, Jr. of Spartanburg, SC for the charge of Sexual Exploitation of Children after he was positively identified during the chats. He is currently also wanted in Gwinett County for similar charges

This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges and arrests are anticipated as other individuals are identified.