Warren County Sheriff’s Office Apprehends Suspect in Undercover Operation Targeting Online Solicitation of Minors

In a determined effort to safeguard children from online predators, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office executed a proactive undercover operation on January 12, 2024. This operation, centered in the Warren County/Front Royal area, aimed to identify and apprehend individuals engaging in the online solicitation of minors.

During the operation, an adult male initiated unprovoked contact with an investigator who was acting undercover as a juvenile under the age of 15. The suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Aaron Wayne Smith from Wise County, Virginia, engaged in a conversation where he requested lewd content and photos. He also transmitted obscene materials to the investigator.

Aaron W. Smith. Photo provided by Wise County Sheriff’s Office

Smith’s activities were meticulously documented, leading to his positive identification. On January 24, 2024, investigators traveled to Wise County and apprehended Smith on 10 felony charges. These charges include multiple counts of using communication systems to facilitate offenses involving children and possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography.

Following his arrest, Smith was taken to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Duffield, Virginia. He appeared before a magistrate and was ordered to be held without bond. His court hearing is scheduled for February 15, 2024, at the Warren County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office, a member of the Northern Virginia/DC Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, emphasizes the critical role of public cooperation in these matters. They urge anyone with information about the solicitation or exploitation of minors to come forward.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the Wise County Sheriff’s Office for their pivotal role in the successful apprehension of the suspect. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across Virginia continue to be vital in the fight against crimes targeting children.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our community and bringing those who attempt to harm them to justice.

Anyone with further information regarding this case, please contact Criminal Investigations Sergeant M.R. Ramey at (540) 635-7100 or via email at mramey@warrencountysheriff.org.