11 arrested in online child predator investigation across the Carolinas and beyond: SC deputies

YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Eleven men have been arrested in an undercover child predator investigation that spanned the months of August and September, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office.

The joint operation, led by both state and federal agencies, targeted those who were allegedly seeking to meet minors for sexual encounters, authorities said.

The investigation involved two major efforts, including “Operation Huntsman,” which focused on multiple locations throughout York County, some even taking place at private homes. Between 20 and 45 officers participated in the operations over several weeks.

Authorities said all 11 suspects were “travelers,” a term used for those who went to undercover locations thinking they were meeting a child between the ages of 10 and 16 for a sexual encounter. The YCSO added that some of the suspects may have had previous contact with underage victims who have not yet come forward.

The suspects face a range of charges, including criminal sexual conduct with minors, criminal solicitation, and sexual exploitation.

One suspect has already been turned over to federal immigration authorities.

Here is a list of those arrested:

• Ja’Bri Agurs-Feaster, 22, of Rock Hill, SC: Charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11–14 years old) and criminal solicitation of a minor
• Alexander G. Arounderangsy, 30, of Mooresville, NC: Charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11–14 years old) and criminal solicitation of a minor
• Travis Ethan Betts, 28, of Smoaks, SC: Charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, criminal solicitation of a minor, and disseminating obscene material to a person under 18
• Damaris Latrez Johnson, 23, of Rock Hill, SC: Charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11–14 years old) and criminal solicitation of a minor
• Richard Frances Lennox Jr., 48, of Fort Mill, SC: Charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, participation in the prostitution of a minor, and first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor
• Srinivas Mutpur, 60, of Charlotte, NC: Charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, participation in the prostitution of a minor, and obstruction of justice
• Anthony Luis Olmedo, 43, of Charlotte, NC: Charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11–14 years old) and criminal solicitation of a minor
• Jonny Osman Pineda, 38, originally from Honduras: Charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11–14 years old) and criminal solicitation of a minor. He has been released to ICE custody and has reportedly been deported at least three times before
• Ralf Siehl, 57, of Indian Land, SC: Charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11–14 years old)
• Jacob Eugene Tester, 25, of Liberty, SC: Charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor (11–14 years old), criminal solicitation of a minor, and four counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor
• Wilmer Isaak Zelaya, 18, of Houston, TX: Charged with participation in the prostitution of a minor and possession of methamphetamine

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that more charges or arrests could follow.