HOUSTON – Six men were arrested during a recent sting in Harris County aimed at people who solicit minors for sex online, authorities announced Tuesday.
The operation was hosted by the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office and led by the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
"It's disgusting. It is absolutely disgusting, and I can tell you a lot of lives have been ruined," said
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen.
Rosen said all of those who were arrested during the three-day operation believed they were chatting with a 14- or 15-year-old girl through social media sites and mobile apps.
"Monitor all [children's] mobile devices to include all phones, iPads, iPods, tablets, gaming consoles and anything else that is WiFi accessible," Rosen said.
PHOTOS: 6 arrested in online predator sting
The suspects traveled to locations to meet with the fake minors for sex, deputy constables said.
Here is the list of suspects charged with online solicitation of a minor:
- Israel Garcia, 28, of Humble
- Ricardo Reyes, 33, of Houston
- Brandon Knarr, 28, of Houston
- Fahad Ghani Siddiqui, 39, of Dickinson
- Eleno Garza, 26, of Houston
Siddiqui and Garza previously worked as teachers, Rosen said.
Garza was a substitute teacher for Pasadena Independent School District, is currently employed at UTMB-Galveston, had a day care license and worked for the YMCA, according to Precinct 1.
Deputy constables said Garza expressed interest in "very deviant" activity, including bondage and expressed interest in tying up dolls.
WATCH: February online predator sting
Siddiqui had worked for Aldine Independent School District.
Rosen encouraged parents to monitor the online activity of their children, and to educate their children about online predators.
Children should also be wary of who they engage with online, Rosen said. Children should deny friend requests from people they don’t know and refuse to give personal information out to unfamiliar people, Rosen said.
Rosen said about 70 officers from 12 law enforcement agencies participated in the sting.
VIDEO: Precinct 1 speaks on arrests
Pasadena ISD released this statement on Garza:
"Eleno Garza was employed by Pasadena ISD as a degreed substitute teacher from 3/23/2017 to 8/14/2017. In his very short tenure, he only worked 2 full days and one half day. Garza passed thorough background check as required by the state law."
Aldine ISD released the following statement on Siddiqui:
"Aldine ISD was made aware of the arrest and he resigned immediately. All necessary agencies were contacted."