12 Arrested in Child Sex Sting Operation: FDLE

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has announced the arrest of 12 individuals as part of a multi-agency investigation named “Operation Kessel Run,” targeting child sex crimes in Northwest Florida.

According to an FDLE news release, each of the 12 individuals is accused of various offenses, including seducing a minor to engage in sexual conduct, traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity, and using communication devices to facilitate felonies.

FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “These suspects asked for lewd photos and communicated in graphic sexual terms. Luckily, our FDLE agents and analysts, along with our partners, found them before they found our children.”

While Operation Kessel Run has concluded, Williams stressed that the investigative efforts continue, recognizing the ongoing threat posed by child predators.

The 12 individuals were arrested between Feb. 23 and March 4. They have been identified as:

1. Darryl Lamont Hart, 57, of Pensacola, Florida
2. Clayton Patrick Costello, 37, of Hoover, Alabama
3. Randy Edgar Powell, 52, of Pensacola, Florida
4. Telvan Latrell Williams, 28, of Mobile, Alabama
5. Kriss Lashawn Gilmore, 31, of Foley, Alabama
6. Alex Michael Durlock, 24, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida
7. Jordan Christopher Belton, 28, of Pensacola, Florida
8. Raphael Rochelle Brooks, 39, of Robertsdale, Alabama
9. William John Nordstrom, 64, of Pensacola, Florida
10. Eric Wintin Long, 33, of Montgomery, Alabama
11. Patrick Jay Dehnel, 33, of Slidell, Louisiana
12. Jamaine Antonia Johnson, 32, of Pensacola, Florida

The accused allegedly communicated with undercover investigators posing as juveniles, engaging in sexually explicit conversations, and soliciting lewd photos. Subsequently, they allegedly attempted to meet with the minors, where they were apprehended by law enforcement.

The operation involved collaboration between multiple agencies, including FDLE, State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden, various sheriff’s offices, police departments, and federal investigative agencies.

Acknowledging the collective effort, Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage expressed gratitude to the collaborating agencies, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children and fostering a safer community.