Officials comment on sting operation that led to three arrests
SEE ALSO: Men ‘posing as a female’ arrested after undercover operation
JACKSON, Tenn. — On April 14, the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover operation in response to a recent violent crime in the county.
The sheriff’s office, with the assistance of Bolivar Police and Jackson Police Departments, arranged a date with a supposed female subject online.
Two adults, Traverious Parham, and Kameran Scruggs, and one juvenile arrived at the arranged location dressed in masks and hoodies with weapons displayed.
All three of them were immediately arrested.
We spoke to investigators and they say one main concern is to inform others that this appears to be a larger scheme than just in Hardeman County.
When it comes to meeting an online connection in-person, be weary of the risks you are taking.
“Of course when you’re online and you’re texting and not speaking through a phone or video you don’t really know who you are talking to. You don’t know anything they are telling you is factual,” said an Investigator with the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office.
Online dating experts say two big red flags is when the person wants to talk off the social dating platform or they ask you to meet in a secluded place.
“The platform is there in many ways to protect your identity and your anonymity and if right away they want you to chat on your cellphone or something like that that’s a big sign. Also if they want you to meet in private places like a home or just anywhere that you don’t have other people around,” said Vice President of Communications for Rainn, Jenifer Simmons Kaleba.
They recommend to always be in control of your own transportation.
Pick a public location and drive there yourself until you can trust this person.
“In any kind of dating situation, listen to your intuition. If it doesn’t feel right, get out of there. You don’t owe the person you’re meeting any kind of additional politeness. It’s your safety on the line,” said Kaleba.
Experts also say to let friends or family know if you are going to be meeting someone for the first time.
You can do things like share your location.
If you cannot share your location, meet this person in a public place, a restaurant for example.
Also, let your waitress or bartender know that this a first date, and you’ve never met in-person with this individual.
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