WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Four men have been arrested following a five-day child exploitation investigation conducted across Wyoming and McDowell counties.
The Wyoming–McDowell Crimes Against Children Task Force announced the arrests Wednesday, October 28, following an investigation known as “Operation Black Lantern.”
The operation was conducted in cooperation with the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, and Veterans 4 Child Rescue (V4CR).
According to investigators, the operation targeted individuals suspected of attempting to solicit and meet people they believed were girls under the age of 16 for unlawful sexual purposes.
The four individuals arrested include:
– Johnathan Rutan, 27, of Ripley, West Virginia: Charged with soliciting a minor via computer, soliciting a minor and traveling to engage in prohibited sexual activity, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. His initial bond was set at $125,000 by McDowell County Magistrate Ron Blevins.
– Marlon Enrique Perez, of El Salvador: Charged with soliciting a minor via computer and soliciting a minor and traveling to engage in prohibited sexual activity. Investigators reported that Perez is a Salvadoran national unlawfully present in the United States. His initial bond was set at $90,000 by McDowell County Magistrate Ron Blevins.
– John Michael Beckwith, 44, of Charleston, West Virginia: Charged with soliciting a minor via computer and soliciting a minor and traveling to engage in prohibited sexual activity. His initial bond was set at $90,000 by McDowell County Magistrate Mark Shelton.
– Austin Hunter Cox, 36, of Blountville, Tennessee: Charged with soliciting a minor and traveling to engage in prohibited sexual activity and obstructing an officer. His initial bond was set at $151,000 by Wyoming County Magistrate Craig Cook.
All four men were taken to jail pending further court proceedings.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrest warrants involving suspected child predators expected as investigators continue reviewing evidence.
Investigators are also examining whether evidence gathered during the operation should be referred to federal authorities for possible federal violations. No federal charges were announced in Wednesday’s release.
The task force credited Veterans 4 Child Rescue for its assistance throughout the operation and emphasized the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in protecting children from exploitation.
“Protecting children does not end at county lines. Neither does our commitment to identify and apprehend those who seek to exploit them,” the task force stated.
Additional information about potential arrests is expected as the investigation continues.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
