TULSA, Okla. — Operation Stolen Innocence is designed to catching predators targeting children online without exposing children to danger.
During a news conference on Aug. 1 U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma Clint Johnson announced Operation Stolen Innocence led to the arrest of eight child predators.
WATCH 2 News covered the announcement and arrests:
During that announcement Johnson said, "social media platforms allow more and more people to have access to children over the internet."
How many kids are online?
The Child Mind Institute found 42% of children have a cell phone by age ten and it jumps to 71% by age 12.
Investigators said that means child predators have more access.
Who did they arrest?
2 News pulled six of the eight arrest affidavits. Two are not available, one because the person isn't named and one is sealed.
2 News learned Scott Berkshire's is sealed.
We did find out that he is a former board member of the non-profit Joy in the Cause.
The organization focuses on children in crisis:
"Joy in the Cause was founded in 2014 and has grown over the years to serve thousands of individuals annually! We connect volunteers directly to our programs in service of those in need. We want our volunteers, donors, staff, and those we serve to feel joy and purpose in connecting with Joy in the Cause. Your cause matters!
Our main programs include Joy to the Rescue providing backpacks for kids in crisis as well as Care Packages for those battling cancer and other life-altering illnesses. We work to bring comfort, compassion, and joy to the community through our programs at Joy in the Cause."
2 News reached out to them about Berkshire and got this statement:
Who else did they arrest?
The probable cause affidavits 2 News did get showed suspects contacted members of the task force posing as teens.
Samuel Gile's charges include lewd or indecent proposals of acts with a child.
His affidavit showed he used social media to contact an undercover Skiatook Police Department employee posing as a 14-year-old girl.
It shows he said:
- "I tend to like younger girls"
- "But you're pushing all kinds of fantasy for me."
- "I'm fine with your age."
Wesley Rohrer's charges include showing indecent material to a minor.
His affidavit shows he used Facebook to communicate with an undercover Skiatook Police Department employee posing as a 14-year-old girl.
It shows he:
- Requested a nude photo of her
- Showed interest in meeting up for sex in his car or somewhere else
George Mathu's charges include lewd molestation and soliciting sexual conduct/communication with a minor.
His affidavit shows he communicated with a Mayes County deputy posing as a 14-year-old girl.
It shows he:
- Asked if she was a virgin
- Asked if they could meet in a private place
- Asked if her body was developed and for a picture to see
Investigators arrested him in the driveway of the residence where the 14-year-old claimed to live.
Willie Porter is charged with lewd or indecent acts to a child under 16.
His affidavit indicates he used direct messages to communicate with a Pryor Creek Police Department employee posing as a 14-year-old girl.
It shows he:
- Asked if she had any sexual relations before.
- Would be okay with a threesome?
- Asked her to meet him in a park and "wear no panties thats sexy."
Danny Newton (no photo available) faces federal charges of attempted coercion and enticement.
His affidavit shows he used Facebook and text messages to contact an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl.
It shows he:
- Attempted to meet with her for sexual intercourse.
- Sent self-taken photos of himself to her and asked her for pictures
- Asked her, "Can you meet me at the store or Walmart or something?"
Jeffry Clain (no photo available) faces federal charges of attempted coercion and enticement.
His affidavit shows he used an online account to communicate with an undercover Tulsa police detective posing as a 14-year-old boy.
It shows him asking:
- Are you interested in being friends with an older gentleman?
- What grade he's in
When arrested, the affidavit showed:
- There is child pornography on his phone
- He previously engaged in sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old boy while he was an adult.
2 News is going to keep digging into these documents and update the case as it develops.
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