Fort Worth Police announced on Friday that they’ve arrested six men in an online solicitation sting operation, with the help of other state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.
According to a news release, the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit recently conducted a three day long operation, using agents posing as minors on several online platforms. The undercover agents then worked to establish communication with those looking to engage in sex with children under the age of 17.
Six men were arrested in the sting, accused of attempting to engage in sex with minors as young as 15 years old. Each of the men, who’s names are listed below, face at least one count of Online Solicitation of a Minor, which is a third degree felony in the State of Texas. If convicted, the men face anywhere from two to ten years in jail, and up to a $10,000 fine.
Daniel Alford , 42 - Fort Worth
According to Fort Worth PD, Alford is a registered sex offender with a prior conviction for Indecency with a Child. He allegedly showed up to meet with what he believed to be a 15-year-old for the purposes of sex. In addition, during the same time period, they say he spoke sexually with law enforcement who he believed to be a 16-year-old. Two separate cases were filed for the suspect and his parole was revoked.
Joshua Whitfield, 23 - Fort Worth
Police say Whitfield showed up to meet with what he believed to be a 16-year-old female for the purposes of having sex. He is currently on probation for a 2022 Fort Worth robbery case.
Jimmy Johns, 52 - Fort Worth
Johns allegedly showed up to meet with what he believed to be a 16-year-old female for the purposes of having sex.
Kristofer Kane, 23 - Richland Hills
Police say Kane showed up to meet with what he believed to be a 16-year-old female for the purposes of having sex.
Joshua Blackmon, 31 - Aubrey
Investigators say Blackmon showed up to meet with what he believed to be a 16-year-old female for the purposes of having sex with her.
Kautik Patel, 33 - Cleburne
Patel allegedly showed up to meet with what he believed to be a 15-year-old female for the purposes of having sex.
This operation consisted of the following agencies:
• Fort Worth Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Unit
• Fort Worth Police Department Crimes Against Children Unit
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
• Haltom City Police Department
• North Richland Hills Police Department
• Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• US Secret Service
• INTEX, North Texas Fusion Center
• Directed Response Unit (FWPD)
• Intelligence Unit (FWPD)
• Real-Time Crime Center (FWPD)
• Electronic Surveillance Unit (FWPD)
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