San Francisco Charges 5 Men in Child-Exploitation Sting After 7 Arrests
Updated
Updated · KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco · Aug 6
San Francisco Charges 5 Men in Child-Exploitation Sting After 7 Arrests
3 articles · Updated · KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco · Aug 6
Summary
Five men were charged Wednesday with felony and misdemeanor counts after a San Francisco Sheriff's Office undercover operation arrested seven suspected child predators on July 29-30.
Undercover officers from San Francisco, other Bay Area counties and out of state posed online as minors or adults with young children, then arrested the men when they arrived at a San Francisco meeting location.
Court records say each defendant used graphic sexual messages and sought in-person meetings; four face felony counts for showing up, while Johnny Rodriguez Diaz was charged with one misdemeanor count.
Three defendants — Jorge Nieto, Michael Pauter and Romauld Santiago — pleaded not guilty, and Reuben Teague also pleaded not guilty while facing an added resisting charge; several remain in custody.
Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said the investigations take an emotional toll on officers, while District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the case underscores the need for parents to monitor children's online activity.