by Authorities in Grant County have arrested five men on preliminary child solicitation charges after a coordinated sting operation involving local law enforcement and a civilian watchdog group.
According to a press release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), the arrests were made in partnership with the Marion Police Department (MPD) and Predator Catchers Inc., an organization that impersonates minors online to expose individuals attempting to exploit children.
The following individuals were taken into custody:
- Isaiah Frye, 28, of Loogootee
- Johnathan Sasser, 42, of Anderson
- Joshua Stephen Keck, 39, of Frankton
- Teddy Lunceford, 38, of Elkhart
- Raul Escribano, 35, of Marion
Each suspect faces a Level 5 Felony charge of child solicitation, which in Indiana carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Officials say Predator Catchers Inc. posed as a 13-year-old girl during online interactions with the suspects. The suspects allegedly agreed to meet the minor in person, at which point the organization alerted law enforcement, leading to their arrests.
“Protecting our children is one of the most sacred responsibilities we have,” said Grant County Sheriff Del Garcia. “Thanks to the swift response of our deputies, the work of the Marion Police Department, and the alert from Predator Catchers Inc., these individuals were apprehended before any harm could be done.”
No further details about the suspects or the operation have been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
