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ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — In a significant crackdown on online child exploitation, Anderson County detectives have apprehended 11 individuals and levied over 40 charges during a meticulously planned four-day undercover operation targeting online child predators.
Dubbed “Operation Hightower,” this multiagency initiative uncovered more than 15 individuals suspected of attempting to sexually exploit children through online chatrooms. The sting operation was spearheaded by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in collaboration with state, local, and federal authorities who posed as minors to lure out potential offenders.
The primary goal of the operation was to unmask those seeking to exploit children, including individuals prepared to cross state lines to meet with their would-be victims. In a particularly bold move, four suspects traveled to meet undercover officers posing as children, leading to their swift apprehension by deputies. The reach of the operation extended beyond South Carolina, with suspects identified from as far as Oklahoma and Mississippi.
At a press conference on Thursday morning, detectives spotlighted the arrest of 40-year-old Jeffrey Miles from Mississippi. Miles was taken into custody after allegedly arranging to meet with a parent and her 4-year-old daughter, further underscoring the urgent need for such operations.
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.
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.
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.
All cases resulting from Operation Hightower will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.