# US law enforcement child exploitation sting operations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-law-enforcement-child-exploitation-sting-operations
> Updated: 2026-09-01T20:49:30.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Law enforcement agencies across the United States have conducted undercover sting operations targeting individuals attempting to engage in unlawful contact with minors.

In late August 2026, an operation led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Indiana resulted in the arrest of five men from Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. The suspects, who traveled significant distances to meet undercover agents, faced charges including child solicitation and attempted sexual contact with a minor.

Following this, a two-day investigation in Onondaga County, New York, led to the arrest of eight men. This operation, involving the New York State Police, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations, targeted individuals allegedly seeking contact with children under the age of 15. The suspects face charges such as attempted rape in the second degree. One of the arrested individuals, a rabbi in Utica, was suspended from his temple following the arrests.

## Claims

- Eight men face felony charges following a two-day online child exploitation investigation in Onondaga County. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investigation took place on August 27 and 28. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Each of the eight individuals was charged with attempted rape in the second degree, a Class E felony. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The operation targeted individuals allegedly attempting to have unlawful contact with children under the age of 15. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Peter Schaktman, a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Utica, has been suspended and is not permitted on the temple premises. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Onondaga County: Eight arrested in child exploitation sting

Eight men face felony charges for attempted rape following a two-day online child exploitation investigation in Onondaga County, New York, conducted by state and federal law enforcement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/onondaga-county-eight-arrested-in-child-exploitation-sting

### 2026-08-25: Five men arrested in Indiana child predator sting operation

Five men from Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois were arrested in an undercover sting operation targeting individuals seeking unlawful contact with minors via social media.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/five-men-arrested-in-indiana-child-predator-sting-operation

---
Cite as: US law enforcement child exploitation sting operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-law-enforcement-child-exploitation-sting-operations