Eleven Arrested in Upstate Child Sex Crime Sting

Joint operation between Greenville PD and SLED leads to multiple charges of sexual exploitation of minors

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of metal handcuffs against a stark black background, conveying a sense of law enforcement action and investigation into a serious crime.The arrests from this child sex crime sting operation highlight the ongoing efforts to combat the exploitation of minors through online platforms.Wellford Today

A two-day child sexual exploitation sting operation in South Carolina's Upstate region has resulted in 11 arrests, 37 warrants, and 3 Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers. The joint effort between the Greenville Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) targeted suspects attempting to engage in sexual activity with minors through undercover online profiles.

Why it matters

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the exploitation of children through online platforms. The charges of criminal sexual conduct, prostitution, and human trafficking underscore the serious nature of these crimes and the need for continued vigilance to protect vulnerable youth.

The details

The 11 individuals arrested range in age from 23 to 57 and are from various cities across the Upstate region, including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Laurens, Taylors, Wellford, and Chester. They face a variety of charges, including criminal sexual conduct with a minor, participation in the prostitution of a minor, and human trafficking.

  • The operation took place on April 9th and 10th, 2026.

The players

Greenville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that partnered with SLED on the child sex crime sting operation.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

The state law enforcement agency that collaborated with the Greenville Police Department on the child sex crime sting operation.

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What’s next

The suspects will face prosecution in the judicial system, and authorities will continue to monitor online activity and conduct similar operations to protect minors from sexual exploitation.

The takeaway

This case underscores the persistent threat of child sexual exploitation facilitated through digital platforms, and the critical role of law enforcement collaboration to identify and apprehend predators seeking to harm vulnerable youth.