HUTTO — A 37-year-old Hutto resident was among six men arrested during a multi-agency child exploitation operation conducted by the Police Department targeting online predators, officials said Monday.
The investigation took place Aug. 22-23, according to a department press release.
“The operation focused primarily on individuals believed to be seeking sexual contact with children under the age of 15,” according to the prepared statement. “It was conducted as part of (Hutto Police Department’s) continuing efforts to protect children, identify individuals who may pose a threat to minors, and deter child exploitation in Hutto and across Central Texas.”
Pending formal charges and booking, none of those arrested have been identified by name.
According to the report, the Hutto man initially was charged with trafficking of a child younger than 14. Police later said the charge is being upgraded to attempted sexual performance by a child.
The other arrests included a 29-year-old Round Rock man originally charged with trafficking of persons, but who now faces an upgraded accusation of attempted sexual performance by a child.
A 55-year-old Georgetown man, a 28-year-old Pflugerville man, a 43-year-old Leander man and a 34-year-old Round Rock man were arrested on charges of online solicitation of a minor, according to the statement.
“Protecting children is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and this operation is a strong example of what can be accomplished when our officers, our law-enforcement partners and our community are all working toward the same goal,” Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough said.
The operation included HPD personnel with assistance from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Round Rock Police Department, Williamson County Emergency Communications and DarkHorse Benefits.
According to Hutto officials, DarkHorse Benefits is a nonprofit offering specialized expertise and resources to support "these complex investigations.”
