TAYLOR (WWJ) -- The Taylor Police Department announced the arrests of 14 men following a series of undercover operations targeting child predators online.
The year-long effort focused on identifying people who were attempting to use online communication to exploit minors, according to investigators.
As of Wednesday, three of the 14 men had already pleaded guilty to felony charges. They are:
• Jacob Gozalka, 30, of Southgate – Pled guilty to Child Sexually Abusive Commercial Activity (Attempt).
• Richard Jon Wandt, 35, of Monroe – Pled guilty to Accosting a Child for Immoral Purposes.
• Wvalter Orozco, 39, of Detroit – Pled guilty to Computer/Internet Communicating with Another to Commit a Crime.
Eleven other men face pending court proceedings. They are:
• Johnathan Lee McKissack, 30, of Romulus
• Jonathan James Woodard, 60, of Taylor
• Carlos Javier Gardea Vega, 43, of Lincoln Park
• Imran Hussain, 33, of Riley
• Choudhury Marzan, 36, of Hamtramck
• Michael Joseph Miller, 33, of Westland
• Ayman Ali Alghazali, 23, of Detroit
• Jamil Quintel Brown, 28, of Ypsilanti – Also charged with Weapons – Carrying Concealed.
• Jeffrey Brian Hellems, 38, of Canton
• Michael Eugene Price, 29, of Flat Rock
• Paul Buliga, 37, of Taylor
Police Chief John Blair said the success of these operations was enhanced using advanced technology, including Brinc drones (DFR), Flock Safety systems, Axon technology, and StarChase. These tools were instrumental in helping investigators safely identify, monitor, and apprehend suspects while maintaining officer and community safety.
“Technology plays a critical role in modern policing, especially when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable citizens—our children,” said Blair, in a statement. “By combining cutting-edge tools like drones and license plate recognition with skilled investigative work and strong partnerships with our federal and regional task force partners, we are able to act quickly and effectively to bring these offenders to justice.”
Taylor Police thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Secret Service, the Metro Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for their help with these investigations.
“These arrests reflect our department’s ongoing commitment to protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit them,” Blair added. “We will continue leveraging technology, training, and collaboration to keep Taylor and surrounding communities safe.”