Child sex crime investigation led to the identification of 14 suspects, five of whom were arrested

Beaufort County, South Carolina – During a recent investigation into child sex crimes, the Beaufort Police Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office worked together on an operation that led to the identification of 14 suspects.

The findings of the operation that was carried out within the period of one week in March were revealed at a press conference held by both agencies on Saturday.

Internet Crimes Against Children Task force members approached people online who were suspected of having sex-related conversations with minors. They were able to identify a total of 14 suspects as giving sexually explicit materials, maintaining communication, and having engaged or trying to engage in sexual behavior with children.

The investigation showed four of those suspects went to Beaufort with the intent of having sex with allegedly 13 and 14 year-olds, while the fifth suspect was said to have traveled all the way from Florida to meet with a minor. They were all arrested on various sexual-related charges.

The names of the five suspects that were taken into custody as a result of the investigation will be made public additionally by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.