Six Men Busted After Trying To Engage in Sexual Activity With Children in Texas

Police in Hutto, Texas, have released the names of six men arrested during a multi-agency operation targeting suspected attempts by adults to engage in sexual activity with children online.

The Hutto Police Department said the operation was designed to identify and arrest adults suspected of using the internet to arrange sexual contact with children, with investigators primarily focusing on individuals believed to be seeking contact with children under the age of 15.

According to arrest affidavits, undercover investigators established several locations across Hutto where suspected offenders allegedly arrived after communicating online. One of the locations was Adam Orgain Park, where investigators used a security camera to monitor suspects as they arrived.

The men arrested were identified as Calvin Austin, 29, of Round Rock; Scott MacNutt, 55, of Georgetown; Aaron Menard, 37, of Hutto; Farshad Engameh, 43, of Leander; Jesus Soria, 34, of Round Rock; and Victor Villa Ramirez, 28, of Pflugerville.

Engameh, MacNutt, Ramirez, and Soria were arrested on suspicion of online solicitation of a minor. Austin was arrested on suspicion of trafficking of persons, while Menard faces a charge of trafficking a child younger than 14 years of age.

Hutto police initially declined to release the men's names, citing department policy, but later provided the identities on Tuesday.

Police Warn of Wider Child Exploitation Concerns

Hutto Police Chief Jeffery Yarborough said the operation was intended to protect children in the local community while sending a clear warning to adults who may attempt to exploit them.

'We saw that there was a need to send a message to let people know that we have children in this community that we're going to protect,' Yarborough said.

The chief described the allegations as 'disheartening', 'alarming' and 'concerning', but said the investigation gave authorities an opportunity to intervene.

'It's disheartening, it's alarming and it's concerning but it puts us in a position to where we have the opportunity and have the privilege to make sure that it doesn't happen here.'

The operation involved several agencies, including the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Round Rock Police Department and Williamson County Emergency Communications.

DarkHorse Benefits, a non-profit organisation made up of military veterans and criminal analysts, also assisted investigators.

Yarborough said the organisation provides specialist guidance during operations involving suspected online predators, including helping law enforcement track individuals, make contact with suspects and use undercover decoys.

Charges Could Change as Investigation Continues

DarkHorse Benefits said it was proud to have supported the operation and stressed that law enforcement agencies remained responsible for leading the investigations.

The organisation said its role was to provide 'specialized, veteran-led support' during active and supervised investigations targeting child exploitation and trafficking.

Yarborough said the six suspects came from different backgrounds but allegedly shared a willingness to travel away from their homes while attempting to commit sexual offences.

The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation, and police have warned that the charges listed at the time of arrest may not represent the final allegations against the suspects.

Hutto Police said charges could be amended or enhanced, while additional charges could also be filed as investigators continue examining the cases.

As criminal proceedings develop, the allegations against each defendant will have to be tested in court. All six men are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.