Nine arrested in Virginia child exploitation operation, three undocumented
Nine arrested in Virginia child exploitation sting; three were undocumented immigrants.
Event / Security
Virginia Child Exploitation Investigation
Law enforcement arrested nine men in a child sexual exploitation operation in Virginia. Three arrestees are undocumented immigrants from El Salvador with prior criminal records, released on bond. The Department of Homeland Security criticized sanctuary policies and called for increased ICE cooperation.
3 reported locations
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2026-08-28 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 28 Aug, 05:04 UTC
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What happened
Nine men arrested in Virginia child exploitation sting operation
Fairfax County police arrested nine men who allegedly traveled to the county to meet minors for sexual encounters after engaging in sexually explicit online conversations with undercover detectives posing as juveniles.
Sanchez Hernandez apprehended illegally entering US near Rio Grande Valley
Reyben Leono Sanchez Hernandez was apprehended near the Rio Grande Valley on September 25, 2013, after illegally entering the United States. He was released into the country approximately one month later during the Obama administration. His criminal history includes solicitation of prostitution from a minor and driving on a suspended license. An ICE detainer was placed on him July 29, but he was released on a $3,000 secured bond.
Flores Herrera detained with ICE detainer after arrest
Henry Adalberto Flores Herrera has a criminal history including felony solicitation of prostitution from a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, driving under the influence of liquor, and a traffic offense. An ICE detainer was placed on him July 17. He was released on a $5,000 secured bond. DHS did not disclose how he entered the country.
Aguilar Cruz apprehended illegally entering US near Hidalgo, Texas
Wilmer Alexander Aguilar Cruz was caught by Border Patrol near Hidalgo, Texas, in late 2012 and was released into the country approximately two weeks later during the Obama administration. His criminal history includes computer solicitation of a child, indecent liberties, proposed sex acts, sodomy, extortion, and threats to burn. In April 2019, he was arrested in Prince William County on charges of threatening to bomb or burn and making a threat in writing. ICE arrested him two days later. An ICE detainer was placed on him July 31, and he was released on $3,000 secured bond.
Three arrested suspects in Virginia sting are undocumented immigrants
Three of the nine men arrested in the Fairfax County child exploitation sting were identified as undocumented immigrants: Reyben Leono Sanchez Hernandez (21, El Salvador), Wilmer Alexander Aguilar Cruz (28, El Salvador), and Henry Adalberto Flores Herrera (39). All three have been released on bond.
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