Arrests Made in Placer County Sting Operation Targeting Child Predators
Placer County deputies have successfully carried out a sting operation aimed at apprehending suspected child predators. Two men were arrested last month as a result of these efforts, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
The first arrest was made following an online chat between detectives and Johnnie Ward, a 55-year-old man from Sacramento. Allegedly, Ward sent sexually explicit messages to individuals he believed were a 14-year-old girl and her 12-year-old stepsister. This conversation spanned over a week, eventually leading to Ward’s arrest near his residence. He now faces charges including contacting a minor with the intent of having sex, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old, possession of child pornography, and other related charges. Ward pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and is due to appear in court on October 16th.
In a separate incident, detectives also arrested Garrett Spitzer, 26, in Auburn. Spitzer allegedly arranged to meet a detective who was posing as a 14-year-old boy for sexual activities. Throughout their conversation, he sent nude photos to the undercover detective and requested explicit images in return. Detectives, still impersonating a minor, arranged a meeting with Spitzer on Bowman Road in Auburn, where they subsequently arrested him. Spitzer is facing charges that include sending harmful materials with the intent to seduce a minor, arranging to meet a minor for lewd and lascivious acts, violating parole, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old, and other related charges. He entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment and is scheduled to appear in court on October 30th.
Sheriff Wayne Woo emphasized the importance of these operations, highlighting the dedication and training of the detectives involved. Their aim is to identify and apprehend those who pose a threat to the well-being and innocence of children. Sheriff Woo stated, Child predators pose a grave threat to the innocence and security of our children, and we have made it our solemn duty to pursue those who seek to harm them.
The successful arrests made during this sting operation reflect the commitment of law enforcement in combating child exploitation. By proactively engaging online predators, detectives are able to bring these individuals to justice and protect vulnerable children from harm. Placer County remains steadfast in its pursuit of those who seek to exploit and harm children, ensuring their safety and security in the community.
