The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents on Saturday arrested five suspects during a multi-agency operation in the Midland area targeting alleged sexual predators.

The investigation was an online undercover effort to identify and apprehend sexual predators participating in the online solicitation of minors. 

In addition to the DPS Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Highway Patrol, DPS Aircraft, Midland County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Odessa Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Texas were also involved in the operation.

The following suspects were arrested on state charges for online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, and booked into the Midland County Jail:

  • Shrey Dineshbhai Bhakta, 22, Odessa
  • Daryl Quay Hampton, 25, Odessa
  • Seyi Muyiwa Adeeka, 30, Odessa
  • Douglas Lee Smith, 28, Eunice, N.M.
  • Michael Soper, 44, Midland

(News release from the Texas DPS in Midland)