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Manchester Police apprehended more than one man via an undercover scheme, “Operation Castle,” targeting web predators.
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A specially trained undercover cop pretended to be a 15-year-old boy on the social network as well as dark web platforms.
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The Four men face charges for grooming as well as enticing a minor, as investigation continues for several other cases.
Imagine your kid texting on the web with someone they call a friend, who turns out to be a predator targeting victims. That nightmare scenario is exactly what UK’s Manchester Police just disrupted. The department executed a months-long undercover operation that pulled dangerous offenders out of the shadows.
It’s called Operation Castle. This scheme commenced in September 2024 and focused on predators lying around the internet and dark web hubs. reflecting a coordinated international push by law enforcement that includes major operations like the recent global sting dismantling dark web networks sharing child exploitation material. An undercover cop pretended to be a 15-year-old boy to fish out criminals who are part of the act.
Operation Castle and Its Modus Operandi
The undercover officer wasn’t just winging it. He received specialized training for these cases. That training covered information gathering, criminal prosecution standards, evidence collection, and suspect management. The rules were strict and designed to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The undercover officer could not initiate contact with targets. He couldn’t suggest sexual activity or propose meetings. Everything had to come from the suspects themselves. The officer stated multiple times during conversations that he was 15 years old. Many defendants acknowledged that their suggested actions would be illegal. They did it anyway.
The officer created several profiles across different social media platforms. What happened next was disturbing but predictable. The individuals arrested in this operation suggested sexual activity on their own. They sent unsolicited nude photographs. They proposed discreet meetings with someone they believed was a child.
Police carefully selected the takedown location. Their priority was minimizing civilian interference and ensuring public safety while maximizing tactical advantage. Every arrest went smoothly. All defendants were taken into custody without incident.
Multiple Men Arrests, amid Police Discoveries
When authorities arrested these men, they found more than just incriminating chat logs. Defendants were carrying other sexual evidence. Police discovered sexual medications, lubrication, condoms, and other items sexual in nature. These items further demonstrated the intent behind these crimes.
Manchester Police apprehend four men at the end of this operation:
- 56-year-old William Bockenstedt of New Vienna – charged with “Grooming & Enticing a Minor under 16 for Sexual Purposes.”
- 41-year-old Seth Chambers of Dubuque – charged with “Grooming.”
- 38-year-old Craig Conrad of Epworth charged with “Grooming & Enticing a Minor under 16 for Sexual Purposes.”
- 32-year-old Alex LaFrenz of New Hampton – charged with “Grooming, Enticing a Minor under 16 for Sexual Purposes, and Exhibition of Obscene Material to a Minor.”
Four additional cases have been evaluated. These have been referred to outside agencies for follow-up and charges. More charges may come as the forensic investigation continues.
Manchester Police Chief Ben Davis thanked local news partners KMCH and Manchester Press for their discretion. These outlets reached out earlier in the operation about the arrests. They maintained silence to ensure the operation’s success.
The operation was initially set to conclude on December 14th. That timeline would have given investigators time to evaluate more suspects. But a premature news release from other outlets forced an early conclusion.
Chief Davis called this an eye-opening predicament for the society, the department, and himself. “This is a real challenge materializing before our eyes,” he stated. The danger is access to youth on social networks and the dark web. A hidden network that facilitates everything from child predation to sophisticated cybercrimes, as seen in recent cases involving security experts turned ransomware affiliates.
Protecting Your Children Online
Parents must discuss internet usage honestly with their children and not sugarcoat the dangers of the internet, said Chief Davis. The Manchester Police Department and the West Delaware School District are hosting a “Cyber Safety Parent Night” at 5:30 pm on December 3rd to enlighten parents about these cases as well as the dangers of the internet.
In addition, Chief Davis commended the undercover officer and all Manchester Police Department members for their commitment, long hours of service, safety-first culture, and professionalism.
