Manchester Police have detained several men in connection with an undercover operation aimed at online predators.
The Manchester Police Department launched Operation “Castle” in September, with an undercover officer targeting pedophiles on several public and dark web services. The UC officer was specifically trained to handle these types of crimes, which included gathering information, prosecuting criminals, collecting evidence, and dealing with suspects. The UC Officer is not permitted to start communication with a target, suggest sexual activities, or even arrange encounters. During these chats, the UC Officer repeatedly emphasized that he was 15 years old, and many of the defendants were aware that the suggested activities were prohibited. The UC Officer posed as a 15-year-old lad and created many profiles on various social media platforms. The individuals arrested in this press release urged sexual behavior on their own initiative, emailed unwanted nude images, and proposed clandestine meetings with the UC officer.
The takedown location was chosen to reduce citizen interference and protect public safety, increasing tactical benefit. All of the defendants identified in this release were taken into custody without incident.
Defendants were found with additional sexual evidence, such as sexual drugs, lubrication, condoms, and sexually related goods, to further support the cases’ intent. Manchester Police arrested the following defendants at the conclusion of this operation:
- William Bockenstedt of New Vienna – 56 years old – Grooming, Enticing a Minor under 16 – Sexual Purpose
- Seth Chambers of Dubuque – 41 years old – Grooming
- Craig Conrad of Epworth – 38 years old – Grooming, Enticing a Minor under 16 – Sexual Purpose
- Alex LaFrenz of New Hampton – 32 years old – Grooming, Enticing a Minor under 16 – Sexual Purpose, Exhibition of Obscene Material to Minor
Four other cases have been reviewed and forwarded to outside organizations for further investigation and prosecution. Additional charges may be considered pending further forensic examination.
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