HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Howard County police arrested five men in connection with a child sexual exploitation investigation after an undercover sting operation in Columbia in which investigators say the suspects showed up expecting to meet young girls.
Police described the arrests as part of a proactive approach to catching suspected child predators, saying the department’s vice and narcotics unit constantly monitors websites and apps where predator conversations happen.
ALSO READ | Five Maryland men arrested in online child exploitation sting: police
Police said the men were arrested and charged in connection with an online child solicitation sting last week. Investigators said the operation began in early May.
Police identified the suspects as Andrew Scott Kraemer, 35, of Pasadena; Logan Proctor Ehren, 32, of Fort Meade; Santos Alexi Andrade Maltez, 34, of Germantown; William Rodney Moser, 29, of Rocky Ridge; and Madus R. Wijesuriya Arachchige Don, 29, of Frederick.
According to charging documents obtained by FOX45 News, Howard County police detectives posed as young girls on popular apps and forums to communicate with suspected predators. Police said an undercover officer was behind the fake girl’s online voice.
In one conversation, police said Moser asked, “How old are you?”
Police said the undercover officer responded, “I’m 14 goin on 15…but I vibe with mature guys.”
In another conversation, a suspect asked, “What grade are you mami?”
Police said that after conversations that ranged from a few hours to a few days, the men agreed to meet someone they believed was a young girl, but instead came face-to-face with undercover Howard County police officers and were arrested.
Residents and parents reacted to the arrests.
“Get them off the street. I mean, the more the police can police that and take care of it. I mean I’ve got a daughter myself, so this is definitely something that is very personal to me,” Greg Hendrix, identified as a concerned parent, said.
Latece Greer, identified as a concerned resident, said, “I’m glad. Good arrest Howard County. Job well done. That is disgusting.”
“It’s a huge win for Howard County not only for the police, but to get these predators off the streets,” Gil Carmona, identified as a concerned resident, said.
Greer also said, “(The abuse of a minor) at such a young age (can be devastating). That’s a trauma man I don’t want a kid to be stripped of you know that their rights to that to be happy in the future.”
Another woman said, “It’s disgusting, it’s gross.”
Follow FOX45 reporter Keith Daniels on X and Facebook. Send tips to Kdaniels@sbgtv.com.
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