PHOENIX — An undercover police operation led to the arrest of nine alleged child predators across the Phoenix area.
Investigators say the men were all soliciting sex from children who were actually undercover agents in January. In an operation called Silent Predator, each man was arrested after they agreed to sex with the agents. They are:
- 55-year-old Roy Edward Vasquez is charged with Aggravated Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Possession of Narcotic Drugs.
- 35-year-old Colten Stacy Jourdain is charged with Aggravated Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
- 26-year-old Kevin Morales Evangelista is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
- 65-year-old Patrick Edward Mai is charged with Child Sex Trafficking, Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Attempted Money Laundering.
- 23-year-old Nicholas Dawn Benhart is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
- 23-year-old Jesus Eduardo Mendoza is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
- 29-year-old Lawrence Ruiz is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
- 28-year-old Tommy Diaz is charged with Child Sex Trafficking, Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Attempted Money Laundering. Copy of indictment here.
- 57-year-old Franklin John Omori is charged with Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
The operation was a collaboration between police in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and the Department of Homeland Security.
This investigation is still ongoing. If you have any additional information about these suspects, contact detectives at (602) 262-6151.
