Modesto, Oakdale men arrested in online child exploitation sting
Two men from Stanislaus County were among 13 suspects arrested in a recent undercover sting targeting adults who sought to exploit children online, authorities said.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of “Operation SPF-13,” a three-day undercover investigation in July led by the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. More than 90 officers from 21 agencies participated, including detectives from Turlock Police Department.
Undercover officers posed as children ages 13 and younger on social media. Despite being told the supposed victims’ ages, suspects sent sexually explicit messages, arranged meetings and in some cases brought drugs, alcohol or sex paraphernalia, according to the sheriff’s office.
From Modesto: Amad Asim, 30, was arrested after allegedly booking a hotel room with the intent to sexually exploit a 13-year-old, investigators said.
From Oakdale: Malcolm Tate, 31, was taken into custody after allegedly offering cocaine, marijuana and alcohol to a 13-year-old. Authorities said he arrived late at night with alcohol, marijuana and condoms.
Both men face multiple felony charges. Among those filed against suspects in the operation are contacting a minor with intent to commit a sex offense, arranging a meeting with a minor, attempted lewd acts with a child under 14, attempted production of child pornography, child endangerment and drug offenses.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activity and to report suspicious behavior immediately.
