12 charged in online solicitation case

J. Zelaya arrested and charged for online solicitation of a minor. Homeland Security Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Harris County PCT 4 Constable's Office, and Harris County DA Investigators were all involved in an undercover operation that led to the arrests and charges of 12 people for online solicitation of a minor over the weekend on Monday, March 30, 2015, in Houston. less J. Zelaya arrested and charged for online solicitation of a minor. Homeland Security Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff's Office, ... more Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close 12 charged in online solicitation case 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

A three-day undercover operation last week nabbed a dozen Harris County men on charges of online solicitation of a minor, authorities announced Monday.

"The takeaway for area parents is that they need to be aware of what their children are doing online," Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson told reporters. "The internet is not a safe place for children."

The 12 men were arrested after showing up a house filled with police officers, in a bid to have sex with underage children. Most men brought alcohol, Anderson said. One man was arrested with a gun, another arrived with the illegal drug ecstasy. The sting ran from Wednesday to late Friday.

Anderson was flanked by officers from other agencies that aided in the sting, including Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hickman and officers from the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the Houston Police Department and Homeland Security.

Online solicitation of a minor is a second-degree felony. If convicted, the men face a maximum of 20 years in prison.