In an effort to make our streets safer for children, law enforcement agencies around the country routinely execute sting operations to catch nefarious characters out looking for vulnerable children. Sadly, these operations usually result in many arrests and oftentimes the criminals aren’t who we’d expect.
It truly is a chilling world in which to raise children.
In a recent sting operation in Ohio, the Jackson Township Police Department arrested 14 sexual predators, including a preschool teacher and a rape crisis counselor.
FOX 8 Cleveland reports:
“Operation Unsportsmanlike Conduct” ran from January 31 through February 3.
One of the suspects has been identified as Jerry Roeal Ragsdale, 38, of Canton. He’s charged with disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile, attempted unlawful sexual conduct and importuning. He’s listed in a police report as a preschool teacher. YWCA Canton released a statement to FOX 8 News about Ragsdale. “On February 3, 2020, the YWCA Canton placed employee Jerry Roeal Ragsdale on unpaid administrative leave as soon as the agency learned of his arrest for an alleged inappropriate situation with a minor. While on administrative leave, Mr. Ragsdale does not have access to our facility. The YWCA has contacted the parents and guardians whose children had direct contact with Mr. Ragsdale. Our utmost concern is the safety and protection of our children who attend who attend our preschool and utilize our services. The YWCA will continue to take every precaution necessary to protect our children.”
Another suspect has been identified as Adam Eric Leidke, 48, of Cleveland Heights. He’s listed as a counselor at Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.
President & CEO Sondra Miller of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center released the following statement to FOX 8:
“Adam Leidtke was employed with Cleveland Rape Crisis Center from March 13, 2017 to May 17, 2018. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center has had no contact with him since his employment with the agency ended.
“Sexual violence is inexcusable whenever and wherever it happens. It’s especially inexcusable when perpetrated by someone who is a helper.”
According to the report, the suspects range in age from 20 to 73 and are from varying Ohio locations including Wooster, Newcomerstown, Canton, Cleveland, Barberton, Akron, Cleveland Heights, Massillon, Stow, Orrville, and North Canton.
They were caught attempting to solicit law enforcement officers who were posing as 15-year-old males and females.
FOX 8 reports that charges range from unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning, and disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile. In one case, Jonathan Settle, 24, of Orrville, is being charged with possession of criminal tools, as he was in possession of condoms and lubricant at the time of his arrest.
These are troubling times to be a parent. It’s imperative to know where your children are at all times. While we don’t endorse children using smartphones, there are devices that allow children to communicate to parents without exposing them to the dangers of the internet. These are options all parents should consider. It isn’t worth risking them falling victim to predators who live and work among us.
Thankfully, law enforcement agencies are doing what they can to protect children and set examples of criminals looking to commit heinous sexual acts with minors.
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