The Kerr County Sheriff's Office has concluded a multi-month undercover campaign, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals for attempting to commit sex crimes against minors. Investigators communicated with dozens of suspects across the region who were actively seeking sexual contact with underage individuals.

The arrested suspects were taken into custody after communicating with investigators and attempting to meet what they believed were minors for sexual conduct. The operation involved personnel and assets from the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Digital Forensics Unit.

Among those arrested were:

• Jeremy Joe Lortie, 46, of Kerrville: Two counts of Online Solicitation of a Minor. Bonds set at $45,000.
• Rodrigo Mejia Martinez, 38, of Mountain Home: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bond set at $50,000.
• Alvaro Huerta, 30, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bond set at $50,000.
• Rex Keith Herl, 55, of Ingram: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Contact. Bond set at $20,000.
• Travis Jackson, 63, of Ingram: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Contact. Bond set at $50,000.
• Jeremiah Michael Welch, 41, of Fair Oaks Ranch: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct, and one count of Failure to Comply/Register as a Sex Offender. Bonds set at $210,000.
• Ahren Lee Bell, 49, of Fredericksburg: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bond set at $50,000.
• Scott Allen Sachs, 69, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Contact. Bond set at $25,000.
• Jeremiah William McLaughlin, 38, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor. Bond set at $25,000.
• Garrett S. Brown, 35, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bond set at $25,000.
• Jimmy Alcorta, 53, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bond set at $40,000.
• Andy West Moore, 47, of Mountain Home: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Contact, and one count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Contact- Enhanced. Bonds set at $95,000.
• Michael Edwards Saur, 43, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bond set at $25,000.
• Chance Austin Eaton, 30, of Ingram: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor. Bond set at $20,000.
• Fred W Stephenson, 67, of Kerrville: Two counts of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bonds set at $130,000. Stephenson was also wanted on an existing forgery charge.
• Matthew Hayden Clark, 26, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Contact. Bonds set at $30,000. Clark was also wanted on prior traffic warrants.
• Carl Dean Stewart, 66, of Center Point: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bond set at $75,000.
• Ricky Navarro, 37, of Kerrville: One count of Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Contact. Bond set at $25,000.

Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“Our investigators are doing the tough, often unseen work to keep Kerr County’s children safe from online threats,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “While strong law enforcement and prosecutions are essential, that’s only part of the solution. Parents and caregivers play a vital role too. It’s important to stay aware of what kids are doing online—sometimes even seemingly harmless apps have hidden chat or social features that can put them at risk. We’re committed to staying vigilant and acting decisively against anyone who tries to exploit minors.”