Detectives in Florida, United States conducted Operation Child Protector V from February 22-29, 2024. During the operation, they posed as children and adults who have access to children online.
The police departments of Auburndale, Polk County, Florida; Davenport, Polk County; Davenport, Polk County and Lake Wales, Polk County and the Hardee County, Florida sheriff’s office participated in the operation. A total of 27 felony charges were filed against the eight suspects including human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, use of a computer to solicit a guardian and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.
A total of eight suspects were identified. One of them is John Adams, 61, of Dunedin, Pinellas County, Florida, who is still at large.
The detectives set up an undercover location during the operation. Adams did not show up to the location but he sent his vile and filthy desires to have sex with a child, according to Polk County sheriff Grady Judd, 70.
Unlike Adams, the seven other suspects did show up to the undercover location. Here are their names:
- Brandon Ray, 34, Mulberry, Polk County
- Edmundo Dasilva, 37, Holly Springs, North Carolina
- Hasan Abu Halemeh, 27, Brandon, Hillsborough County, Florida
- Larry William Hayes, 41, Plant City, Hillsborough County
- Manuel Canasi, 45, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco County, Florida
- Nelson Louis, 29, Tampa, Hillsborough County
- Willie Merrill, 45, Plant City
CONAN Daily 