15 arrested in Marietta online child sex sting

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Marietta police said an online child predator investigation has lead to 15 arrest.

Investigators say the 8-month undercover cyber investigation targeted people who communicated with children online and then traveled to meet them to have sexual interactions.

According to Chuck McPhilamy with the Marietta police, it proves parents don't know just how vulnerable their children are online. 

"Child predators will go on-line and develop a relationship with that child, slowly over time and then introduce the concept of sex or trading sexual images.  The individuals that we have arrested made arrangements to travel to meet those children with the express purpose of having sex with them".

Those arrested were charged with violating O.C.G.A. 16-12-100.2, Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007. They include the following:

Terry Crawford, 58 year old male from Pine Mountain GA

Johnny Crittenden, 57 year old male from Jonesboro GA

Jose Barrera, 20 year old male from Kennesaw GA

Justin Jones, 42 year old male from Marietta GA

Nikolas Sims, 23 year old male from Conyers GA

James Lumpkin, 46 year old male from Marietta GA

Christopher Braden, 38 year old male from Jasper AL

Noe Verdugo, 36 year old male from Atlanta GA

James Conner, 45 year old male from Monroe GA

Thornton Barrow, 54 year old male from Central SC

Justin Clark, 31 year old male from Hines OR

Mitchell Walters, 28 year old male from Cumming GA

Keith Grogan, 44 year old male from Graycourt SC

Stephen Cook, 59 year old male from Grayson GA

David Butterworth, 40 year old male from Flowery Branch GA