A multi-day undercover operation in Ohio resulted in the arrest of seven men accused of attempting to engage in sexual activity with underage girls—two of whom were discovered to be unlawfully present in the United States and are now facing removal proceedings.
According to Jackson Township Police, the arrests stem from an operation dubbed “Operation Unsportsmanlike Conduct,” which was conducted near a hotel in the Belden Village shopping area. Law enforcement officials posed as underage girls, some as young as 13, and communicated with the suspects via cellphone. The suspects allegedly arranged meetings at a local hotel to engage in illicit conduct with the minors.
The sting took place July 31 at the Wingate by Wyndham hotel in Stark County, Ohio. All seven suspects were arrested on felony charges including attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning, and possession of criminal tools. One of the men, Andres Gallardo, 44, faces an additional charge of attempted rape.
The individuals arrested include:
- Jacob Bauer, 48, of Massillon
- Ryan Strouse, 37, of Massillon
- Mustafa Cakar, 24, of Pittsburgh
- Andres Gallardo, 44, of Cleveland
- Michael Chaffee, 69, of Wadsworth
- Alberto Perez, 28, of Canton
- Edmund Starr, 37, of Broadview Heights
Two of the men—Cakar and Perez—were determined to be illegally present in the United States. Following their arrests, both were referred to the Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for deportation proceedings. ICE has not yet announced if detainers were lodged in these cases.
All seven men appeared in Massillon Municipal Court on August 4.
The case underscores growing concern over illegal aliens arrested for sex crimes. Immigration enforcement officials have repeatedly warned that a lack of local cooperation in some jurisdictions allows repeat offenders to remain at large.
Jackson Township Police have yet to release further comment. The investigation remains ongoing.
