A recent GHOST operation resulted in the arrest of six individuals.
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson held a press conference to announce the arrests, which included two individuals operating out of Toledo, Ohio.
Fred Hamilton, a 53-year-old Flint resident, was arrested after driving to the sting operation. He allegedly agreed to pay $100 for sex with a juvenile. Swanson stated that it was not the first time the agency had contacted him. He apparently spoke with an operative before but did not show up the first time. He apparently stated that the operator was “too young” for him but continued the chat. They had a two-hour talk.
Port Huron resident Luis Rivera-Tobar, 59, was apprehended in a similar sting to Hamilton. According to Swanson, Rivera-Tobar, who is originally from El Salvador, is in the nation legally. He was reportedly granted a temporary visa in 1994. He allegedly left work, showered, and changed his clothes before driving to Genesee County.
Devondre Deleon, 21, of Flint, was also detained in a sting. Swanson claimed the chat was brief before he reportedly traveled to the meeting spot. Deleon apparently cares for members of his family.
Ronald Williams, 51, of Eastpointe, reportedly left his work as a commercial truck driver, dropped his mother off at church, and drove her car to meet the operative. According to Swanson, Williams has been in and out of prison, including serving time for second-degree murder, from the 1990s to 2011. His most recent release was in November of last year.
Skye Tristan, 21, and Rodney Fisher, 29, both Toledo residents, were arrested for allegedly exploiting an adult with special needs. Swanson stated that they transported the victim from Metamora, Michigan. While going through Tristan’s phone, it was discovered that she was reportedly sextorting males as well. Swanson claimed she would have sex with the men, take photos, and then contact them, claiming she was underage and needed to be paid.
Swanson reported that numerous juveniles were rescued after being trafficked throughout a path that included Detroit, Flint, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Toledo. They were allegedly trafficked over 400 times before being recovered.
Swanson encouraged additional potential victims, including any of the suspects or others, to speak up. The Sheriff’s Office can put them in touch with services and work on gathering evidence for potential prosecution.
He also mentioned that the public can get engaged by becoming “Ghost Certified.” The course includes three videos, a study guide, and an exam. Following successful completion, the Sheriff’s Office will provide a sticker that can be displayed. He stated that some people may be hesitant to seek help from authorities, and having certified individuals guide them to the appropriate resources could help.
There was no news on what accusations the accused were facing during the press briefing.
