Atlanta/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on May 01, 2024
Eight Georgia Men Indicted in "Operation Red Rover" Face Life Sentences for Alleged Attempt to Entrap MinorsSource: Unsplash/ Tingey Injury Law Firm

Eight men from Georgia are facing the possibility of life behind bars after being slapped with federal charges for allegedly trying to lure children for sex, the United States Attorney's Office. The accused, rounded up in the sweep of "Operation Red Rover," now each confront a count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, with some facing additional charges, as reported by United States Attorney's Office.

According to the statement from the United States Attorney's Office, the indictments came down after the suspects supposedly targeted kids online in February, looking to coax them into sexual acts. The grand jury returned these indictments in March, and April, and the last of the defendants saw the courtroom for an arraignment today.

Indicted are Naimilkumar Dadawala of McDonough, Rashon Griggs of Hawkinsville, Darryl Lockett of Macon, Jose Santiago Longoria Alvarez of Fort Valley, Dewan Mitchell of Kathleen, Jon Wiltberger of Manchester, Marquaze Williams of Eatonton and Steven Williams of Bonaire, the court records show.

Adding to the sordid details, Dewan Mitchell is staring down an additional charge for possessing child pornography, while Marquaze Williams landed an extra punch, being tagged not just with enticement but also for performing a sexual act as a registered sex offender. Carrying out the investigation was a tag team of Homeland Security Investigations' Child Exploitation & Cyber Investigations Group and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Robins Air Force Base.

Daniel Peach, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, is taking point on the prosecution. While each individual is cocooned in the presumption of innocence until potentially unwrapped by a guilty verdict—these charges pitch a dark shadow over their futures. If convicted, each defendant could find himself staring at the four walls of a prison for the remainder of his days.