Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
On April 29, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation El Paso Division, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, El Paso Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and El Paso County Constable’s Office Precincts One, Four, and Six are announcing the conclusion of Operation April Fools, a sexual coercion and enticement of a minor operation that occurred from April 23rd-24th, 2021.
More than 67 investigative personnel conducted undercover operations, executed search warrants, and arrested suspects. This collaborative operation resulted in the arrest of 4 individuals, who are charged with offenses ranging from attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. The operation resulted in three federal arrests and one state arrest.
Three men have been charged federally with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The defendants include: 35-year-old Armando Rafael Mascorro (U.S. Citizen), 30-year-old Justin Allen Thomas (U.S. Citizen), and 34-year-old Carlos Adan Hernandez (legally admitted permanent resident) were arrested separately for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
38-year-old, Genaro Dominguez (U.S. Citizen), has been charged with state charges on attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
“The FBI will always be vigilant in pursuing those who choose to prey on our community’s children,” said Jeffrey L. Coburn, acting special agent in charge of the FBI El Paso Division. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners and their task force officers as part of the FBI’s El Paso Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking task force for their commitment to making these arrests.”
Operation April Fools task force was compromised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Against Children Squad, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, El Paso Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct One, El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct Four, El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct Six, the United States Attorney’s Office – Western District of Texas, and the El Paso District Attorney’s Office.
Operation April Fools is an example of the dedication and commitment by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together to protect our children in West Texas. This combined effort sends a clear message that predators will be brought to justice.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.