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In it’s third operation targeting on-line sexual predators in the last eleven months, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has already arrested six suspects and has warrants pending on multiple others. It’s the result of a four day operation dubbed “Operation Safe Summer”.
All six of those arrested so far face charges of use a computer to solicit a minor, traveling to meet a minor for sex, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. They are : 57-year old Walter Mochel of Shalimar, 32-year old Densworth Hendricks of Destin, 44-year old Steven Hooper of Fort Walton Beach, 45-year old John Staggs of Shalimar, 28-year old Jordan Towery of Milton, and 22-year old Miguel Santa Maria of Opelika Alabama.
Hooper is also charged with carrying a concealed weapon and Mochel is also charged with transmission of harmful material to a minor for a photo he sent.
Sheriff Eric Aden, who went out with deputies on a takedown July 9th, says the pro-active work of the OCSO to get online predators off the streets will remain one of his top priorities.
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