Multiple suspects are facing charges related to child sex trafficking following the recent joint investigation called “Operation Phantom,” according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.
The operation was conducted October 17-19 in Owensboro by DCSO and the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General’s (KYOAG) Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to the release, the following suspects are facing charges:
- Robert B. Pierce, 64, of the 1700 Block of Mallard Place, Owensboro
Charged with: Att. Human Trafficking/Commercial Sex Activity Victim Under Age 18 – Class B Felony
- Justin L. Chancay, 41, of the 4600 Block of Pellville Road, Reynolds Station
Charged with: Att. Human Trafficking/Commercial Sex Activity Victim Under Age 18 – Class B Felony
- Abbel Getu, 32, of the 3000 Block of Waterside Way, Owensboro
Charged with: Att. Human Trafficking/Commercial Sex Activity Victim Under Age 18 – Class B Felony; Resisting Arrest
- Jefferson Suentez-Cruz, 23, of the 300 Block of West Kirk Street, Hartford
Charged with: Promoting Prostitution
- Jeremiah Phillips, 24, of the 1200 Block of Werner Avenue, Owensboro
Charged with: Promoting Prostitution
(Phillips was cited in court and no arrest picture was available at the time of publication.)
According to the citations obtained by Owensboro Times, each of the five suspects agreed to “purchase sex acts” for anywhere from $70-$80.
“Operation Phantom involved communications between undercover detectives and suspects who expressed intent to engage in sexual activity with children. There were no children involved in the operation. Once the suspects were located, they were arrested by DCSO and DCI detectives and interviewed before being charged and taken to (the Daviess County Detention Center),” according to Daviess County Sheriff Brad Youngman.
Youngman added, “This operation was put together to specifically target predators that enjoy harming children. I am extremely grateful to our partners on this operation. I am proud of the way these officers from various agencies were able to come together and do such outstanding work. They are true heroes, and I am grateful for each of them.”
Other agencies participating in Operation Phantom include the 6th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Office; the United States Attorney’s Office/Western District of Kentucky; the Daviess County Attorney’s Office; the United States Secret Service; Kentucky State Police; Owensboro-Daviess County Central Dispatch; Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Daviess County Detention Center; and New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services.
Youngman said this is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are anticipated.
To report sex trafficking or other crimes against children, call your local law enforcement agency or the national human trafficking hotline 1-888-373-7888. You can also visit the following websites for additional information: iCareAboutKids.ky.gov and YourEyesSaveLives.ky.gov.
