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Human Trafficking Sting in Wake Forest Leads to 8 Arrests of Soliciting Minors for Sex

@SpectacularMag Staff

WAKE FOREST, NC – Authorities are urging parents to remain vigilant after the arrest of eight individuals in a human trafficking and child sex predator sting operation conducted in central North Carolina.

The multi-jurisdiction operation, led by the Wake Forest Police Department and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office from November 12-15, resulted in the arrests of suspects accused of soliciting undercover officers posing as minors. Investigators revealed that suspects arranged to meet what they believed were juveniles for illegal activities and were taken into custody upon arrival at pre-arranged locations.

Law enforcement officials expressed concern about the increasing frequency of such crimes.

“What surprises me the most is the backgrounds of some of these individuals,” said Sergeant David Bradford of the Wake Forest Police Department. “Some have families, are married, and are even active in their communities.”

The arrested suspects and their charges are as follows:

  • Rosendo Benitez Rodriguez, 26, of Raleigh: Attempted statutory rape and solicitation of a child by computer.
  • Romael Eliberto Morales-Escobar, 25, of Apex: Attempted statutory rape and solicitation of a child by computer.
  • Mahdi Sarbedar, 33, of Raleigh: Attempted statutory rape and solicitation of a child by computer.
  • Ramon Ayala Mendoza, 41, of Chapel Hill: Attempted statutory rape, attempted statutory sex offense, and solicitation of a child by computer.
  • Valentin Cruz-Salazar, 39, of Raleigh: Attempted statutory rape and solicitation of a child by computer.
  • Brian Deshawn Mobley, 51, of Middlesex: Attempted statutory rape and solicitation of a child by computer.
  • Alejandro Sean Colon, 22, of Spring Lake: Attempted statutory rape, attempted statutory sex offense, indecent liberties with a child, and solicitation of a child by computer.
  • Faud Hossain, 26, of Durham: Attempted statutory rape, attempted statutory sex offense, and solicitation of a child by computer.

Authorities emphasized the importance of parental oversight of children’s online activities, as many predators use social media platforms to target minors.

“Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, and Facebook are major platforms where child predators look to connect with children,” Bradford said.

Law enforcement encourages parents to monitor their children’s social media usage and have open conversations about online safety.