ABILENE, TX -- Four men were arrested by the Abilene Police Department's Cyber Crimes Unit in four different cities in the Big Country after they are said to have solicited sex from minors online.
The undercover investigation with Abilene PD, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI began on April 26, KTXS reports. They were targeting individuals using the internet to prey on children the report said.
The investigation has led to several arrest and search warrants being issued.
Hayden Scott Byers, 21, was arrested in the 1500 block of Sunset St. in Merkel. He was charged with a second-degree felony of sexual performance by a child.
Russell Alan Baize, 63, of Stamford, was arrested on Private Road 201 on May 23 for charges of third-degree felony online solicitation of a minor and Class B misdemeanor prostitution. He is in the Taylor County Jail on $105,000 bond.
Chris Wiliam Cox, 50, of Abilene, was arrested at an Abilene home in the 1700 block of Bob White Ct. on May 23. He is charged with second-degree felony sexual performance by a child and third-degree felony online solicitation of a minor. He sits in the Taylor County Jail on $150,000 bond.
Stephen Jeffrey Lee Darneal, 22, of Brownwood, is being held in the Brown County Jail after being arrested in the 2600 block of Elizabeth Dr. in Brownwood on a second-degree felony charge of sexual performance by a child.
More arrests are expected to be made.
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