5 arrested in connection to sexual abuse of a minor during undercover operation in New Britain
An undercover operation in New Britain has led to the arrest of five people in connection to the sexual abuse of a minor.
The Connecticut State Police Bureau of Special Investigations, New Britain Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and numerous Connecticut Crimes Against Children Task Force Affiliates conducted an undercover operation at a hotel in New Britain on Friday.
According to investigators, an advertisement for adult services was posted on popular classified websites and undercover detectives posed as an adult with access to an underaged child.
During the operation, investigators said suspects negotiated a price for sex with the child in online chats. The suspects then reportedly traveled to the hotel and were placed under arrest.
Five men were arrested on scene during the investigation. They have been identified by police as:
- 25-year-old Jermiyah Rascoe, of New Britain
- 49-year-old Jorge Arroyo, of New Britain
- 28-year-old Raul Echavez-Castro, of Waterbury
- 28-year-old Bruno Medina Mendoza, of Springfield, Mass.
- 30-year-old Jorge Escobar Quispe, of Springfield, Mass.
According to police, all five men were charged with commercial sexual abuse of a minor, criminal attempt to commit sexual contact with a victim under the age of 16 and sexual assault.
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.