During the month of September 2024, Frederick County’s INTERCEPT Task Force (Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking) organized a multi-agency initiative aimed at combating the sexual solicitation of minors. The organized effort included participation from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Montgomery County Police Department. “This joint effort is part of an ongoing commitment to protect our community from child predators.” Three Maryland men, including one man from Clarksburg, were arrested and charged.
Per the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office: Over several days, law enforcement personnel conducted multiple operations and deployed a wide array of covert and overt tactics. These tactics were deployed in both online and in-person encounters. The focus of the initiative was to identify and arrest adult perpetrators who were trying to engage in sexual encounters with minor children.
In addition to focusing on the removal of offenders, the participating agencies engaged in community outreach efforts to educate parents and guardians about the signs of solicitation and the importance of open communication with children regarding online safety. Law enforcement encourages anyone with information related to the solicitation or exploitation of minors to contact their local authorities.
Together, we can create a safer environment for our children and hold offenders accountable for their actions. During this weeklong initiative, the following individuals were identified and arrested. Arrested and Charged:
Jeffrey Allen Ringersma (DOB: 9/12/1962) Virgina Beach, Virginia– 2 counts of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
James Leonard Cogswell (DOB: 5/23/1955) Walkersville, Maryland– 1 Count Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
Samuel De Jesus Valle-Penate (DOB: 3/20/1982) Baltimore, Maryland– 1 Count Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
Arrested and awaiting Extradition from Washington State: Daniel Salazar Lara (4/28/93) – No picture– Puyallup, Washington, 19 counts of Soliciting Child Porn, 1 count of sending obscene material
“The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funded this project under sub award number, BJAG-2009-9000. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any Maryland State office or agency.”
