Bloomington Police announced on Wednesday the result of an undercover operation that resulted in the arrest of eight men accused of attempting to solicit minors for sex.
The operation was conducted in early August with the help of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Richfield police.
“Whatever we can do to prevent any more victims from having to become survivors, we’re gonna do,” Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said during a news conference. “And I firmly believe that arresting these eight people prevented eight more people from being victimized.”
Chief Hodges said all the suspects believed they were communicating with someone between 13 and 15. The oldest suspect, William Lattery, was 57 years old and allegedly was trying to seduce who he thought was a 13-year-old.
Lattery has been charged along with six others. Another suspect is set to be charged later this week.
“These guys want to come and harm our kids,” Chief Hodges said. “Each and every one of these guys would have had sex with a minor if given the opportunity.”