DPS Arrests Nine in Online Solicitation Investigation

AMARILLO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced the arrests of nine suspects during a three-day, multi-agency operation in Amarillo to target sexual predators and possible human trafficking organizations.

The investigation, led by DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents, was an online undercover effort to identify and apprehend sexual predators participating in the online solicitation of minors.

Other agencies involved in the operation include Texas Highway Patrol, Amarillo Police Department, Randall County Sheriff’s Department, Potter County Sheriff’s Department, West Texas A&M Police Department, Canyon Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshal Service, United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Texas – Amarillo and Randall County District Attorney’s Office.

Suspects arrested during the investigation and their related charges include:

1. Aaron Joe Davis, 38, of Amarillo. Assault on a public servant (first-degree felony), online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony), evading arrest with a motor vehicle (state jail felony) and tamper with or fabricate evidence (third-degree felony).
2. Jeffery Robert Abraham, 31, of Amarillo, Texas. Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).
3. Kolby Shelb Kemp, 21, of Amarillo, Texas. Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).
4. Mario Simental, 28, of Amarillo. Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).
5. Brad Eugene Sharber, 44, of Amarillo. Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).
6. Daniel Lee Garcia, 38, of Amarillo Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).
7. Robert James Tidwell, 21, of Pampa. Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).
8. Charles Alexander Diaz, 20, of Amarillo. Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).
9. Kyle Andrew Adair, 22, of Amarillo. Online solicitation of a minor (third-degree felony).