Full Breakdown
Bell County Sting Targets Online Solicitation of Minors, Leads to 11 Arrests
5/5/2026, 8:03:05 AM
Operation Overview
A three-day undercover investigation in Bell County, Texas, concluded with the arrest of eleven men who engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with individuals posing as minors aged 13 to 16. The operation was coordinated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) Criminal Investigation Division, the Texas Highway Patrol, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. All suspects were booked into the Bell County Jail following the arrests announced on May 4, 2026.
Key Figures and Charges
- Hae-Yong Pae, 44, Copperas Cove – Online solicitation of a minor
- Xavier Alexander Barreto, 21, Fort Hood – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18 (active-duty soldier)
- Ryan Lee Howard, 32, Buda – Online solicitation of a minor
- Joseph Andrew Paine, 37, Temple – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18
- Christopher Matias, 27, Fort Hood – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18 (active-duty soldier)
- Samsus Moise Perfection St. Loth, 40, Killeen – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18 (active-duty soldier)
- Omar Katrell Cherry, 45, Belton – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18
- Ramon Antonio Rivera-Colon, 37, Belton – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18 (active-duty soldier)
- Dwayne Dion Sherman, 32, Killeen – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18
- Shaun Keenan O’Hara, 38, Gunnison, Colorado – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18
- Tyron Lydell Williams, 55, Killeen – Solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18
Four of the arrested individuals are confirmed active-duty members of the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Hood.
Data and Statistics
- Total arrests: 11
- Charges: 9 for solicitation of prostitution of a person under 18; 2 for online solicitation of a minor
- Active-duty military personnel: 4
- Agencies involved: TxDPS Criminal Investigation Division, Texas Highway Patrol, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Bell County District Attorney’s Office
Official Statements and Agency Responses
TxDPS described the operation as a demonstration of “coordination between federal, state and local agencies aimed at combating human trafficking.” Fort Hood identified the four soldiers among those arrested and confirmed their military status. Both agencies directed victims or witnesses to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or submit tips via the iWatch Texas program (1-844-643-2251).
Why the Operation Matters
The arrests underscore a multi-jurisdictional approach to online child-sex-trafficking investigations, highlighting the capacity of law-enforcement partners to infiltrate digital networks used by predators. The involvement of active-duty service members adds a layer of institutional scrutiny, potentially prompting reviews of military personnel screening and monitoring practices.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Source reliability varies: one outlet assigns a reliability score of 45.87, while another provides no reliability rating. Neither source offers details on pending court dates, bail conditions, or potential sentencing. Additionally, the reports note that “charges are allegations, and cases remain under investigation,” leaving the final legal outcomes unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These suspects thought they were talking to minors,” TxDPS said. — Texas Department of Public Safety
- “They were talking to law enforcement.” — Texas Department of Public Safety
- “Loth, 40, Killeen — Solicitation of Prostitution of a Person Under 18 Omar Katrell Cherry, 45, Belton — Solicitation of Prostitution of a Person Under 18 Ramon Antonio Rivera-Colon, 37, Belton — Solicitation of Prostitution of a Person Under 18 Dwayne Dion Sherman, 32, Killeen — Solicitation of Prostitution of a Person Under 18 Shaun Keenan O’Hara, 38, Gunnison, Colorado — Solicitation of Prostitution of a Person Under 18 Tyron Lydell Williams, 55, Killeen — Solicitation of Prostitution of a Person Under 18 DPS said the operation reflects coordination between federal, state and local agencies aimed at combating human trafficking.” — TxDPS press release
- “Charges are allegations, and cases remain under investigation.” — KWTX report conclusion
- “All suspects were booked into the Bell County Jail.” — TxDPS statement
