Undercover sting operation arrests Fairfax man on child exploitation charges

In a notable act of diligent crime fighting, the Front Royal Police Department has carried out a successful undercover operation leading to the arrest of an adult male suspected of soliciting minors for sexual purposes. The operation was part of a proactive initiative set to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, our children, from potential threats lurking in the online space.

The operation, launched on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, witnessed detectives posing as underage victims online to expose individuals seeking to exploit minors sexually. The suspect, unaware that he was communicating with an undercover officer, solicited explicit materials and photos from what he believed to be a minor under the age of 15.

The man in question, identified as Roberto V. Picha, a 57-year-old resident of Fairfax, VA, was apprehended when he arrived at a prearranged meeting place within Front Royal, expecting to meet the minor he had been engaging with online. Unbeknownst to him, Picha was walking into a carefully planned sting operation set up by the local police force.

ROBERTO PICHA

Following his arrest on July 3, 2023, Picha was transported to the Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren (RSW) Regional Jail. After appearing before the magistrate, he was denied bond, and a court date for the offenses has been scheduled for August 3, 2023, in the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Picha faces serious charges, including violations of §§ 18.2-374.3 and 18.2-370 of the Virginia Code, relating to the use of communication systems to facilitate offenses involving children and taking indecent liberties with children. Given the severity of these crimes, the law will likely come down hard on him, sending a strong message to others who may contemplate engaging in such heinous activities.

The Front Royal Police Department’s actions highlight their continued efforts as active members of the Northern Virginia/DC Metro (NOVA/DC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Their initiative is a reminder that our local forces are diligently working to safeguard our children’s innocence and ensure their safety from online predators. They request anyone with information regarding the solicitation or exploitation of minors reach out to them promptly.