MEDIA RELEASE:

 

Earlier this week, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Digital Investigations & Forensics Unit along with the Criminal Investigations Unit conducted an operation that sought out human trafficking offenders. The operation focused on internet-based chats, targeting adults who seek out children for sex.

 

The underage chat operations group utilized various social media platforms via covert chats and undercover law enforcement officers to chat with and meet up with those adults who solicit sex from children. Throughout the operation, multiple internet-based contacts and in-person meet ups were made or attempted. Ultimately, three adults were arrested and charged with Solicitation of a Minor. Those arrested were:

 

1. Roy Charles Babylon Jr, 35, of Brunswick, Maryland
2. Jeremy Eric Winfield Jr , 29, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
3. Christopher Allen Long, 39, of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

 

This operation was supported in part by the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN). The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) supplies grant funding and strategic assistance to MCIN member sites. These resources enable the identification, disruption, and dismantling of criminal organizations through enhanced inter-agency collaboration and data sharing, contributing to a safer Maryland for all.

 

Babylon Jr, Winfield Jr, and Long are currently being held at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.