MACON, Ga. — Six Central Georgia residents were charged in federal court on child sex crimes, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Prosecutors say it is part of a sting dubbed "Operation Red Rover," which they describe as "an investigation targeting online child predators."
They say the sting led to charges for six people from Bibb, Pulaski, Houston and Putnam counties.
According to the release, the U.S. Attorney's Office accuses them of attempting to "entice children they met online to engage in sexually explicit acts."
The sting, which led to the indictment of eight people in total, took place in February. The following people were charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
Rashon Griggs, 28: Hawkinsville
Darryl Lockett, 29: Macon
Jose Santiago Longoria Alvarez, 45: Fort Valley
Dewan Mitchell, 35: Kathleen
Marquaze Williams, 31: Eatonton
Steven Williams, 44: Bonaire:
Mitchell is also charged with possession of child pornography, and Marquaze Williams also faces a committing a sexual offense as a registered sex offender charge, too.
If convicted, they face up to life in prison.
The other individuals charged are 35-year-old McDonough resident Naimilkumar Dadawala and 33-year-old Jon Wiltberger from Manchester, Georgia.
In criminal law, an attempted crime involves two components: intent and the carrying out of an "overt act." An individual has to make a significant step towards committing the crime they are accused of, not just the desire to commit a crime.
The individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury back in March and April and have since appeared in court for their arraignments.