BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. — Five men were arrested in Columbus, Ind., following a multi-day sting operation targeting online child sex offenders.
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The undercover operation was led by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and hosted by the Bartholomew County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Investigators used multiple social media platforms to intercept suspects who sought unlawful contact with minors.
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Law enforcement officials said the five individuals traveled more than 400 miles combined, believing they were traveling to Indiana for sexual contact with children.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Chris Lane noted the distance the suspects traveled to reach the meeting locations.
“These five individuals traveled well more than 400 miles total, believing they were going to have sexual contact with minors in Columbus,” Lane said.
“We will continue to work with fellow law enforcement agencies everywhere to capture offenders against children and hold them accountable.”
Columbus Police Chief Steve Norman highlighted the community focus of preventive law enforcement measures.
“We must be proactive in our efforts to prevent child sex offenders from harming our children,” Norman said. “Our continued investment into investigating, educating and preventing child sex crimes will make Columbus safer and preserve our community as a great place to raise a family.”
The operation involved a wide array of law enforcement partners.
Authorities identified the five men arrested:
- Matthew Bruce Ciske, 48, of Richmond, Ind., was charged with child solicitation and attempted sexual misconduct with a minor
- Andrew Rodger Donat, 59, of Indianapolis, Ind., was charged with child solicitation and felony attempted sexual misconduct with a minor
- David Todd Hahn, 48, of Mt. Washington, Ky., was charged with child solicitation and attempted sexual misconduct with a minor
- Luis Ernesto Nunez Machuca, 37, of Streamwood, Ill., was charged with child solicitation and felony attempted sexual misconduct with a minor.
- Nathan Todd Jones, 49, of Thorntown, Ind., was charged with child solicitation, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia
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