CLAY COUNTY, Fla – Twelve men have been arrested and two additional suspects remain under active investigation following “Operation Firewall,” a four-day undercover sting targeting online child predators, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced.
The operation, conducted from July 15 to July 18 by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, involved undercover detectives posing as minors online. Seven suspects traveled to designated locations in Clay County expecting to meet children for sexual encounters, where they were ambushed and apprehended by CCSO SWAT and Fugitive Units. Five additional suspects did not travel during the operational period but were identified through digital forensics and arrested on felony child exploitation charges.
Key Suspects and Notable Arrests
- Nathaniel Earl Pusey Jr., 25 (Ocala, FL): A youth pastor and church music director who traveled to meet who he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Deputies recovered a firearm from his vehicle upon his arrest.
- Jarron Jonathan Papale, 34: A college administrator at the University of Florida who traveled to Clay County expecting to meet a 14-year-old girl.
- Khamhou Sengdara, 34: Traveled to meet a supposed 14-year-old girl and brought a juvenile relative with him, leaving the child unattended in his vehicle while searching for the minor.
- Kelvin Cruz, 23: An active-duty U.S. serviceman stationed in Georgia who drove more than 50 miles with the intent to engage in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.
- Terry Michael Burger, 47 (Jacksonville, FL): A registered sex offender previously convicted in Texas for Sexual Assault of a Child who was wearing a court-ordered GPS ankle monitor. Restricted from traveling, he attempted to lure a 14-year-old girl to his own neighborhood.
Multi-Agency Operations
The operation relied on undercover officers, forensic computer analysts, and intelligence personnel. CCSO partnered with 11 local, state, and federal entities, including the FBI, NCIS, U.S. Department of Justice, Florida State Attorney’s Office, North Florida Intercept Task Force, Operation Light Shine, the Putnam, Flagler, and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Offices, and the Orange Park Police Department.
Authorities warned parents that online predators utilize numerous platforms, including popular social media apps and video game consoles, to target children.
Operation Firewall Arrest Roster
| Name & Age | Background / Location | Primary Charges |
| Nathaniel Earl Pusey Jr. (25) | Youth Pastor / Music Director (Ocala, FL) | Solicit Child, Travel to Meet Child, 2-Way Device (Firearm Recovered) |
| Jarron Jonathan Papale (34) | UF College Administrator | Solicit Child, Travel to Meet Child, 2-Way Device |
| Khamhou Sengdara (34) | Clay County Travel Arrest | Solicit Child, Travel to Meet Child, Child Neglect, 2-Way Device |
| Kelvin Cruz (23) | Active-Duty Military (Stationed in GA) | Travel to Meet Child, 2-Way Device |
| Terry Michael Burger (47) | Registered Sex Offender (Jacksonville, FL) | Solicit Child (2 Counts), 2-Way Device (2 Counts) |
| Charles Hendry (65) | Non-Travel Arrest | Solicit Child, Transmitting Harmful Info, 2-Way Device |
| Hayden L’esperance (26) | Non-Travel Arrest | Transmitting Harmful Info, 2-Way Device |
| Cameron Taylor (29) | Clay County Travel Arrest | Solicit Child, Travel to Meet Child, 2-Way Device |
| Giovanni A. Roman (31) | Jacksonville, FL | Child Exploitation Felonies |
| Derryn Miles Mobley (31) | Non-Travel Arrest | Child Exploitation Felonies |
| Jaedyn Tiyun Wells (22) | Clay County Arrest | Child Exploitation Felonies |
| James Michael Taylor (67) | Non-Travel Arrest | Child Exploitation Felonies |