Five men, including a Lincoln resident, have been indicted by a federal grand jury following a three-day undercover operation targeting individuals seeking to exploit minors in Omaha. U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods said Homeland Security Investigations, known as HSI, led the operation, which resulted in the arrests of 39-year-old Jocsan Aparicio-Santos of Lincoln, along with Logan Trigg, Bryan Dady, Tillian Hutton and Law Eh, all of Omaha. Prosecutors say the men face charges including attempted sex trafficking of a child, penalties for registered sex offenders, and possession of child pornography.
According to federal authorities, investigators used online advertisements between August 12th and 14th and communicated undercover with individuals allegedly seeking sexual encounters with minors. Officials say the defendants traveled to an agreed-upon location intending to engage in sexual activity with what they believed was a 14-year-old child. Investigators also communicated with dozens of other individuals who allegedly sought to exploit minors, though those individuals did not appear in person.
The attempted child sex trafficking charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life imprisonment if convicted. Federal officials emphasized that indictments are only allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The investigation involved assistance from several HSI offices, the Omaha Police Department, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office as part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.
If you see something, say something. The public can provide tips to the HSI tipline at 1-866-347-2423.
