Operation Memorial Dazed: 22 arrests made as part of underage sex sting in Cuyahoga County

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - Officials from several law enforcement agencies announce the arrests of 22 individuals who were taken into custody during an undercover operation in Newburgh Heights.

The sting, conducted by Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children, took place for four days beginning on May 29.

Agents set up chats on popular social media apps and websites with the 22 individuals, who believed they were talking with someone between the ages of 12 to 15.

Officials say the suspects sent nude images of themselves to the undercover agents and tried to entice the alleged children with drugs and alcohol.

The 22 suspects, including three sex offenders, were indicted on Tuesday on charges including attempted rape, corrupting an individual with drugs, importuning, and attempted sex with a minor.

Investigators said the suspects traveled to a vacant apartment complex in Newburgh Heights, this location served as an undercover location.

List of people arrested:

• Phillip Oliveira
• Nanda Poudel
• Gary Koepke
• Shawn Reinke
• Khaled Morra
• Anthony Loignon
• Brandon Gardner
• William Browning Jr.
• Joseph Pullella
• Yun Cao
• Jacob Chonko
• Hemang Bhanushali
• Scott Turner
• Gregory Echelberry
• David Dinard
• Zachary Albert
• Ronald Richardson
• Jackson Studzinski
• Jose Rovelo
• Matthew Palmer
• Jack Grodel
• Nicholas Allen Robinson

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley, as well as members from the Ohio ICAC, Homeland Security, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Department of Justice were in attendance.

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