A multi-agency operation spearheaded by the Kilgore Police Department over the past two weeks has resulted in the arrest of five individuals on charges of Online Solicitation of a Minor. The collaborative effort, which included DPS Investigations, the Gregg County Sheriff's Office, the Gregg County District Attorney's Office, and a specialized unit from the Collin County Sheriff's Office Child Exploitation Unit, focused on identifying and apprehending those attempting to solicit minors online.
Detectives, investigators, analysts, and an attorney worked from the Kilgore Police Department throughout the comprehensive investigations. While some local news outlets reported two arrests last week, authorities held off on a full statement to ensure the closure of two additional ongoing investigations and subsequent arrests.
Authorities confirmed that none of the arrested individuals were residents of Kilgore. However, several lived in nearby communities and had driven into Kilgore with the intent of meeting minors for sexual contact. The Kilgore Police Department also noted that several local individuals engaged with undercover staff online but did not progress far enough in their conversations to warrant charges, serving as a stern warning that their activities were monitored.
"If you are looking to meet a 14-year-old girl/boy in the park for sex, it may just be a 230 lbs combat vet who has a hairy chest, but he will be most happy to see you. We will not tolerate Child Exploitation of any kind in Kilgore, so let this serve as a warning," the Kilgore Police Department stated.
Online Solicitation of a Minor is a 3rd-degree felony in Texas, generally punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. It is important to note that under Texas law, it is not a defense if the meeting did not occur or if the accused did not actually intend for the meeting to occur.
All five arrested individuals were charged with Online Solicitation of a Minor for sexual conduct:
- Marshall Knapik, 27, resides in Longview.
- Dale Shelton, 34, resides in Tyler.
- Alvaro Rosas-Delgado, 24, resides in Longview.
- Ryan Jacks, 34, resides in Troup.
- Casey Stinson, 33, resides in Bowie, Texas. (Stinson planned to travel to Kilgore but was unable to due to vehicle issues; a warrant was served by the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office.)
All individuals, except Stinson, drove into Kilgore to meet up for sex with a minor and were arrested by Detectives and members of the P.A.C.E Team.
The Kilgore Police Department emphasized its commitment to protecting children in the community and its zero-tolerance policy for child exploitation.
