The Fort Worth Police Department announces the success of Operation Heatwave, a multi-agency initiative led by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit from August 7 to August 9, 2024. The operation aimed to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to engage in illegal sexual activities with minors.
During Operation Heatwave, undercover agents from multiple local, state, and federal agencies utilized various online platforms to communicate with potential suspects who were actively seeking to engage in sexual conduct with children under the age of 17.
The suspects arrested include:
- Alexis Javier Sanchez Monreal 25 years old, Dallas, TX
- Anthony Harold Knox 56 years old, Fort Worth, TX
- Cesar Ignacio Hernandez Perez 31 years old, Arlington, TX
- Craig Bridgland 42 years old, Brisbane, Australia
- Daniel Carlos Ramos 40 years old, Fort Worth, TX
- Donte Tejuan Zachary 44 years old, Fort Worth, TX
- Jonathan Hayden Pond 33 years old, Fort Worth, TX
- Jose Luis Estrada Jr. 42 years old, Krum, TX
- Joseph Thomas Milarski 21 years old, Bedford, TX
- Ralph Edward Hoskins 32 years old, Arlington, TX
- Todd Brian Behney 53 years old, Fort Worth, TX
The operation included the following agencies:
- Fort Worth Police Department
- Internet Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit
- Directed Response Unit
- Intelligence Unit
- Real-Time Crime Center
- Electronic Surveillance Unit
- Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division (CID)
- Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office
- Haltom City Police Department
- North Richland Hills Police Department
- Irving Police Department
- Keller Police Department
- Mansfield Police Department
- Homeland Security Investigations
- United States Secret Service
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
The coordinated efforts of these agencies resulted in several arrests and disrupted attempts by potential offenders to exploit vulnerable children. This operation demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies at all levels to protect children and combat online exploitation.
“We want to send a clear message: we will not tolerate any attempt to harm our children. The Fort Worth Police Department, alongside our dedicated partners, will continue to use every resource at our disposal to target and bring these offenders to justice,” said Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes. “I want to thank all the officers and agents involved in this operation for their hard work and dedication."
