Fifteen men have been charged for internet crimes against children as part of ‘Operation Artemis,’ Mooresville Police announced on Friday.
The operation ran from May 28 to May 30 and involved multiple local, county, state, and federal agencies. To date, Mooresville Police said these arrests mark the largest child predator operation in the department’s history.
Preparation for this week’s operation began before May 2024 and involved 19 agencies and 65 personnel. Suspects range in age from 25 years old to 78 years old and came from as far away as Gretna, Virginia, authorities said.
The suspects used online platforms including ChatApp, Discord, DoubleList, Facebook, FetLife, Grindr, Mega Personal Ad, Skip the Games, and Sniffies to solicit minors, police said.
“This operation saved the lives of countless children,” Mooresville Police Chief Ron Campurciani said in a released statement on Friday.
Mooresville Police have an outstanding warrant for Jose Beristain Solis, 39, of Mooresville, for solicitation of a child by computer.
