Executive Summary
- The FBI’s “Summer Heat Initiative” resulted in 24 arrests related to child exploitation in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
- Charges include electronic solicitation, coercion, and offenses involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
- Among those arrested was a former elementary school teacher, Dennis Hernandez, who faces multiple federal charges.
- The operation was a multi-agency effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Local and federal authorities in the Kansas City area have announced the results of a major crackdown on child exploitation, culminating in 24 arrests as part of the FBI’s “Summer Heat Initiative.” The multi-agency operation targeted a range of offenses, with 15 of the arrests occurring in the month of August alone.
The charges filed against the individuals are extensive and include electronic solicitation, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and various offenses related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM), such as its possession, distribution, and production.
“Today’s announcement reiterates law enforcement’s commitment to protecting our children,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus in a statement. “We must continue to protect our most vulnerable from harm.”
Arrests and Charges Announced
The joint operation involved federal authorities, the Kansas City Police, and the KCMO Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. A press release detailed numerous arrests made between July and September, including:
- Dennis Hernandez: A former teacher in Independence and North Kansas City, Hernandez faces federal charges of transportation, production, and possession of child pornography. He reportedly admitted to recording boys in his care at multiple elementary schools and in locker rooms.
- Tommie Giles, Jason Teeman, Zachary Jones, Sohail Ibrahimi, and James Fishbaugh: These individuals face federal charges including attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
- Alex Zoll, Darryl Bush, Alisha Dandron, Kelly Maserang, Mia Johnson, Christopher Black, and Austin Evans: These individuals face a variety of state and federal charges related to the sexual exploitation of children and the distribution or possession of child sexual abuse material.
- Terrence McNutt, Sean Connolly, Keno Davidson, Travis Codi Vermillion, and Christopher Daniel Myers: These individuals were charged in Johnson County, Kansas, with electronic solicitation.
The investigation also included sting operations targeting prospective buyers of commercial sex, leading to several additional arrests. The individuals arrested reside in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas, indicating the wide scope of the investigation. It is important to note that all individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.