September 25, 2024
Vazquez-Natera Cogswell Ringersma Valle-Penate
INTERCEPT is the Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking Taskforce. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Frederick Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office have partnered with Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit that has provided private grant funding for proactive investigations, technology, and forensic software to help protect and rescue children and trafficking victims.
During the month of September 2024, the INTERCEPT Task Force organized a multi-agency initiative aimed at combating the sexual solicitation of minors. The organized effort included participation from the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Montgomery County Police Department. This joint effort is part of an ongoing commitment to protect our community from child predators.
Over several days, law enforcement personnel conducted multiple operations and deployed a wide array of covert and overt tactics. These tactics were deployed in both online and in-person encounters. The focus of the initiative was to identify and arrest adult perpetrators who were trying to engage in sexual encounters with minor children.
In addition to focusing on the removal of offenders, the participating agencies engaged in community outreach efforts to educate parents and guardians about the signs of solicitation and the importance of open communication with children regarding online safety. Law enforcement encourages anyone with information related to the solicitation or exploitation of minors to contact their local authorities.
Together, we can create a safer environment for our children and hold offenders accountable for their actions.
During this weeklong initiative, the following individuals were identified and arrested.
Arrested and Charged:
Juan Carlos Vazquez-Natera (DOB: 08/08/1991)
Clarksburg, Maryland
2 Counts of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
Jeffrey Allen Ringersma (DOB: 9/12/1962)
Virgina Beach, Virginia
2 counts of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
James Leonard Cogswell (DOB: 5/23/1955)
Walkersville, Maryland
1 Count Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
Samuel De Jesus Valle-Penate (DOB: 3/20/1982)
Baltimore, Maryland
1 Count Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
Arrested and awaiting Extradition from Washington State:
Daniel Salazar Lara (4/28/93) – No picture
Puyallup, Washington
19 counts of Soliciting Child Porn
1 count of sending obscene material
“The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funded this project under sub award number, BJAG-2009-9000. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any Maryland State office or agency.”
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The Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency, an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 290,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.
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