Undercover online operation led to 14 arrests in SC

July 7, 2026

1–2 minutes

Summary

Irmo police said an undercover online operation that began in April led to 14 arrests, including 12 men from South Carolina.

Why this matters

The case shows how South Carolina agencies said they are using undercover online investigations to identify suspected child exploitation before a child is harmed. It also gives parents and the public guidance on monitoring online activity and reporting tips.

An undercover online operation that began in April led to the arrest of 14 people accused of trying to sexually exploit children, including 12 men from South Carolina, the Irmo Police Department said Monday.

The multiagency investigation used undercover officers posing as minors or adults with access to children, according to a police news release. Police said the cases, often called “traveler” operations, were intended to identify people who tried to arrange sexual encounters with children they believed were underage.

“Protecting our children remains a top priority,” Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale said in the release. “These investigations are proactive by design.”

Those arrested or facing pending charges were:

• Brandon A. Sweeper, 40, of Columbia — criminal solicitation of a minor, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor

• Dylan Thomas Arms, 33, of Chapin — criminal solicitation of a minor, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, dissemination of obscene material to a minor

• Patrick Acree Richardson, 24, of Columbia — criminal solicitation of a minor, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor

• Corey Weston Jamison, 45, of Orangeburg — criminal solicitation of a minor, dissemination of obscene material to a minor

• Elmer Javier Baquedano Maroquin, 32, of Lexington — criminal solicitation of a minor, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer issued

• Antoine Raynard Aiken, 47, of Summerville — criminal solicitation of a minor, dissemination of obscene material to a minor

The operation involved the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Laurens Police Department, South Carolina Department of Corrections, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Police said they were continuing to investigate crimes against children, including additional undercover work, and urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity.

Anyone with information was asked to call Irmo police at 803-781-8088, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC, or submit tips online. In an emergency, call 911.

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