News Summary
The Irmo Police Department has arrested eight men involved in an undercover sting operation aimed at identifying potential child predators. Utilizing social media, law enforcement engaged with suspects posing as minors, leading to in-person meetings and subsequent arrests. The suspects face serious charges, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in protecting children from exploitation. The operation involved collaboration with multiple agencies and reinforces the community’s commitment to child safety.
Irmo, SC – The Irmo Police Department (IPD) has successfully apprehended eight men as part of an undercover operation targeting individuals suspected of child exploitation. This initiative, executed through social media channels, aimed to identify and detain potential sexual predators before they can harm children.
IPD collaborated with multiple local, state, and federal agencies during the sting operation. Investigators posed as either minors or adults with access to minors to engage with the suspects. Throughout the operation, these alleged predators communicated their sexual intentions through online chats, ultimately arranging in-person meetings which were closely monitored by law enforcement.
When the suspects arrived for these meetings, officers were ready and intervened to make the arrests. The individuals apprehended now face a range of serious charges related to attempted sexual conduct with minors and solicitation.
The following individuals were arrested:
- Brittain Cody Ratliff, 25, from Lexington, SC: Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2nd Degree; Criminal Solicitation of a Minor.
- Joshua Robert McCullough, 29, from West Columbia, SC: Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2nd Degree; Criminal Solicitation of a Minor.
- Jose Hermilo Gonzales Moreno, 49, from Newberry, SC: Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2nd Degree; Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; had an ICE Detainer.
- Timothy Bernard Woods, 53, from Lugoff, SC: Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2nd Degree; Criminal Solicitation of a Minor.
- Jason Adam Wilson, 34, from Anderson, SC: Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Unlawful Dissemination of Obscene Material to Persons Under 18; wanted by South Carolina Probation, Pardon and Parole.
- Drasan Lee King, 28, from Woodruff, SC: Multiple charges including Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2nd Degree; Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; several traffic-related offenses.
- Phillip Scott Westmoreland, 44, from Winnsboro, SC: Multiple charges including Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, 2nd Degree; Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (2 Counts); Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree; Unlawful Dissemination of Obscene Material to Persons Under 18 (2 Counts).
- Thomas Michael Raimondi, Jr., 59, from Aiken, SC: Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree; Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Unlawful Dissemination of Obscene Material to Persons Under 18 (2 Counts).
This operation highlights the IPD’s commitment to child safety and the proactive measures they employ to combat internet crimes against children. The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated, as they serve to protect vulnerable minors from potential exploitation and abuse.
The operation received support from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office ICAC Taskforce and the SLED SWAT Team, among other agencies. The cooperation between these organizations underscores the collective effort to ensure community safety regarding child exploitation.
Chief Bobby Dale of the Irmo Police Department acknowledged the collaboration of these agencies and emphasized that the department would continue its vigilance in surfacing and addressing threats to children. The arrests made during this sting operation are a testimony to the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts in tackling the issue of child predators.
As the community processes the implications of this operation, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children both online and offline. The IPD has reiterated their determination to pursue and hold accountable those who seek to exploit minors, signaling a strong stance against such criminal activities.
In summary, this sting operation by the Irmo Police Department has led to significant arrests of individuals attempting to engage in criminal acts against children, announcing a clear warning to potential predators that such actions will not go unpunished.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Eight Men Arrested in Undercover Child Predator Operation in Irmo
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Columbia: Tragic Sextortion Case Leads to Extradition
Sextortion Case Leads to Extradition in South Carolina
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Additional Resources
- The State News
- Wikipedia: Child Exploitation
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: local news South Carolina
- WLTX News
- Google Scholar: child exploitation
- ABC Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: child protection
- WACH News
- Google News: Irmo Police Department
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
