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In Anderson County, South Carolina, a recent crackdown on online child predators led to the arrest of 11 individuals, with more than 40 charges being filed. This result came from a strategic four-day undercover operation spearheaded by local detectives.
Sgt. Jordan Smith, who supervises the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “The operation had a straightforward goal: to identify those who actively pursue minors online for sexual exploitation and to stop them before they can harm any real children.”
Dubbed “Operation Hightower,” this collaborative effort involved multiple agencies and successfully identified over 15 people suspected of attempting to exploit children in online chatrooms.
The operation was orchestrated by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and included contributions from state, local, and federal agencies. These partners went undercover, posing as young children online to lure in potential predators, some of whom were willing to cross state lines to meet their supposed victims.
Throughout the four-day endeavor, four individuals traveled with the intention of meeting a child in person and were consequently intercepted by law enforcement. The operation extended its reach beyond South Carolina, identifying suspects in distant locations such as Oklahoma and Mississippi.
During a press conference Thursday morning, detectives highlighted the case of 40-year-old Jeffrey Miles, of Mississippi, who was arrested after he reportedly agreed to meet a parent and her 4-year-old daughter.
Investigators said Miles offered to pay to sexually assault the toddler at a predetermined location.
“The reality is every single day children are exploited by dangerous individuals hiding behind screens, children in our homes, children in our schools, children in our communities, lives that can be changed forever in a moment,” said Smith.
Sheriff Chad McBride emphasized the dangers children face in unregulated online environments. He described how quickly a single chatroom can become a dangerous space for minors.
“Protecting our children from online predators requires constant vigilance, open communication and proactive efforts by families, communities and law enforcement to ensure their safety in digital spaces,” McBride said.
He noted that these platforms often serve as a breeding ground for abuse as offenders work to corner and groom children.
Authorities stated the operation resulted in more than 40 total charges filed against the following individuals currently in custody:
Donald Cutshaw, 50, of Greenville
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
- Dissemination, Procuring or Promoting Obscenity (two counts)
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree (two counts)
Timothy Dickson, 51, of Laurens
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
- Dissemination, Procuring or Promoting Obscenity (five counts)
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2nd Degree
Patrick Edwards, 30, of Saluda, N.C.
- Dissemination of Obscene Material
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree
Jerry Fraizer IV, 27, of Anderson
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor or Attempt—2nd Degree
Karl Green, 42, of Seneca
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2nd Degree (five counts)
Wilbur Harris, 34, of Anderson
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 1st Degree
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor or Attempt, 2nd Degree
Kris Johnson, 39, of Liberty
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor or Attempt—2nd Degree
Timothy Torongeau, 38, of Travelers Rest
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
Jeffery Miles, 40, of Louisville, M.S.
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, 2nd Degree
Victor Pressley, 67, of Belton
- Criminal Solicitation of a Minor
- Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Person Under 18 Years of Age
Jeffery Smith, 67, of Greer
- Prompting the Prostitution of a Minor (two counts)
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor or Attempt, 1st Degree
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor or Attempt, 2nd Degree
The investigation involved a broad coalition of law enforcement agencies.
“This operation reveals something that the public must understand. These dangerous individuals are everywhere. Therefore, we will investigate everywhere,” said Smith.
Partners included the Anderson City Police Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, S.C. Department of Corrections and Abbeville City Police. Federal assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security and the FBI.
“We consider our children to be the most precious gift from God,” McBride said. “We will continue investigating and prosecuting these vile subjects in the streets and in the courtrooms, which will be the next place that these cases go.”
All cases resulting from Operation Hightower will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.