11 arrested following York County child predator investigation

Caryn Little,

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Eleven people have been arrested in an undercover sting after allegedly traveling to meet minors for sexual encounters in York County, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities say they conducted two separate online child exploitation operations in August and September called “Operation Huntsman.”

The operation occurred at multiple locations in York County, according to York County Sheriff’s Office.

Operation Huntsman consisted of 25 to 40 officers, analysts, and staff members actively monitored numerous social media platforms. In each case, authorities say initial contact was made by the suspects.

All 11 suspects are accused of traveling to a location set up by undercover officers in an attempt to meet a minor for a sexual encounter, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say the minors they expected to meet ranged from 10 to 16 years old.

Investigators say additional suspects are still being identified, and once they are confirmed and located, they will be arrested. The investigation is ongoing. A similar operation conducted in March 2021 led to 10 arrests, according to authorities.

The names and charges for each suspect are listed below:

Travis Ethan Betts – 28 – Smoaks, SC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor (< 16 Previous Conviction/Sex Offender) 1st Degree
  • Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
  • Disseminate Obscene Material to Person < 18yrs

Damaris Latrez Johnson – 23 – Rock Hill, SC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor (11-14 Years) 2nd Degree
  • Criminal Solicitation of a Minor

Jonni Osman Pineda – 38 – Honduras – (Released to Federal Custody/Pineda allegedly has been deported at least 3 times)

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor (11-14 Years) 2nd Degree
  • Criminal Solicitation of a Minor

Anthony Luis Olmedo – 43 – Charlotte, NC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor (11-14 Years) 2nd Degree
  • Criminal Solicitation of a Minor

Jacob Eugene Tester – 25 – Liberty, SC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor (11-14 Years) 2nd Degree
  • Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
  • Sexual Exploitation of a Minor 3rd Degree (X4)

Ralf Siehl – 57 – Indian Land, SC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor (11-14 Years) 2nd Degree

Ja’Bri Agurs Feaster – 22 – Rock Hill, SC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor (11-14 Years) 2nd Degree
  • Criminal Solicitation of a Minor

Alexander Gerard Arounerangsy – 30 – Mooresville, NC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor 3rd Degree
  • Participation in the Prostitution of a Minor

Richard Frances Lennox Jr. – 48 – Fort Mill, SC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor 3rd Degree
  • Participation in the Prostitution of a Minor
  • Sexual Exploitation of a Minor 1st Degree

Wilmer Isaak Zelaya – 18 – Houston TX

  • Participation in the Prostitution of a Minor
  • Possession of Methamphetamine

Srinivas Mutpur – 60 – Charlotte, NC

  • Criminal Sexual Conduct with Minor 3rd Degree
  • Participation in the Prostitution of a Minor
  • Obstruction of Justice

Authorities say the joint operation involved various law enforcement agencies across the Carolinas, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations, the US Secret Service, and county law enforcement agencies.