Predators: Give thanks to those protecting our chidlren
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Unfortunately, Mid-Ohio Valley residents have had plenty of reason lately to notice the work being done by law enforcement against sex offenders in our region. Operation Blue and Gold Shield -- a sweep covering Kanawha, Wood and Wirt counties ended Aug. 18. The operation is a partnership of the U.S. Marshals Southern District of West Virginia CUFFED Task Force and West Virginia State Police
"In total, 39 felony arrests were made in the operation, to include nine for violations of the sex offender registry, and five for sex related crimes. Others with various warrants were also taken into custody for crimes of first-degree murder, attempted murder, second- and third-degree sexual assault, possession of child pornography, soliciting a minor via computer, escape, delivery of controlled substances, and supervised release violations," a press release by the U.S. Marshals Southern District of West Virginia said.
Meanwhile, one sex offender, Gabriel Allen Hargus, 46, of Mineral Wells, was indicted in federal court for failure to register as a sex offender. But he is still wanted by the U.S. Marshals, the West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Law enforcement is seeking tips --anonymously, even -- about his whereabouts. If you know where Hargus is, call 1-877-WANTED-2. Tips are kept confidential.
Also last week, the West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Task Force, with help from the WVSP, ended an investigation with the arrest of former YMCA of Parkersburg CEO and former Parkersburg High School tennis coach Jeff Olson, who was charged with displaying obscene material to and solicitation of a minor.
It's a lot to take in. And frightening as the volume and proximity of such crimes may be, it is encouraging to know law enforcement at all levels is working diligently to stop the monsters in our midst. Our children DO need to be protected, and we owe our thanks to the U.S. Marshals, the West Virginia State Police and local law enforcement who are giving their all to do so.