Twenty-two arrested in mid-Michigan sting operation to catch child predators

In more state news, 22 people in mid–Michigan have been arrested for attempting to engage in sex acts with minors.

Genesee county sheriff Robert Pickell said at a press conference this morning, the Genesee Human Trafficking Oppression Strike Team, otherwise known as GHOST, has been working the sting operation for the last five weeks. The task force found the suspects luring children in a number of ways, but mostly via social media.

“I have a warning for mothers and fathers and grandparents. We used to worry about children when they were outside the house playing. Now we have to worry about them when they’re inside the house and up in their bedroom and browsing on their computer. That is where these predators and child pedophiles roam and lurk and try to entice children.”

A handful of those arrested included well– respected members of the community, one, a local restaurant manager. Another, a senior vice president at Comerica Bank. Charges for everyone arrested amounts to 66 felony charges, totaling more than 994 years in potential prison time.