BCSO: Operation leads to arrest of 5 people on child sex crime-related charges

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. -- A recent undercover operation in Boone County led to the arrest of five people on child sex crime-related charges.




According to a news release, the operation was led by the Boone County Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation (CASE) task force, along with the Indiana State Police. The men arrested included residents of Indianapolis, Richmond and Plainfield.




Officials said that this brought together "dozens of dedicated law enforcement professionals who collectively devoted countless hours to the mission of protecting children and identifying individuals seeking to exploit them online."




The operation focused on identifying and taking individuals into custody who used digital platforms to target minors for criminal activity. The release said that undercover officers spoke with suspects online by adopting various identities, leading to the arrest of several individuals who traveled to Boone County "intending to engage in sexual activity with minors."

"The Sheriff's Office is proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners in this vital mission," Boone County Sheriff Tony Harris said in the release. "Protecting children is one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to devote every resource necessary to that cause."




This operation included the arrest of a Carmel man earlier this month. According to previous reports, 27-year-old Ethan Craun was arrested after he reportedly participated in an undercover chat operation with a Boone County officer centered around having sex with a minor.

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The following individuals were arrested as part of the operation:




Craun

• One count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 5 felony

Zachary Bullock, 31, Indianapolis

• One count of child molesting, a Level 4 felony





• One count of child solicitation, a Level 5 felony

Nicholas Bozzone, 27, Plainfield

• One count of child molesting, a Level 4 felony





• One count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 5 felony





• One count of child solicitation, a Level 5 felony





• One count of attempt to commit dissemination of matter harmful to minors, a Level 6 felony

Evan Geeslin, 60, Richmond

• One count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 5 felony

Daniel Trusty, 36, Russiaville

• One count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 5 felony

"This operation is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local, state, and federal agencies work together to protect our children," First Sergeant/ICAC Commander Christopher Cecil for the Indiana State Police said in the release. "We are grateful for the dedication and professionalism of every agency involved."





via: https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/bcso-operation-leads-to-arrest-of-5-people-on-child-sex-crime-related-charges/