3 Men Seeking Minors For Sex Caught In Marin County Child Predator Sting Operation: Police

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Three men have been charged following an undercover operation targeting adults seeking to meet minors for sex, the Marin County District Attorney's Office announced Friday.

The operation, dubbed "Operation Dark Web," was conducted May 14 by the District Attorney's Office Bureau of Investigations in collaboration with law enforcement agencies across Marin County and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Investigators said the one-day operation targeted people using online chat platforms to communicate with individuals they believed were minors and arrange in-person meetings for sexual activity.

Two people were arrested during the operation and later charged with felony counts of attempting to contact and communicate with a minor for lewd and lascivious purposes and arranging to meet with a minor for the same purpose, according to the district attorney's office.

On May 20, the Novato Police Department made a third arrest connected to the operation. Prosecutors said that suspect was charged with the same offenses.

One of the suspects was also charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The district attorney's office did not release the names of the defendants in its announcement.

District Attorney Lori Frugoli said the operation was launched in response to growing concerns about the online exploitation of children.

"This serves as an important reminder for parents and caregivers to stay informed about internet safety, monitor their children's online activity, and maintain open discussions about the dangers connected to online chat platforms," Frugoli said.

The charges have been filed, but prosecutors noted the allegations must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt in court.