JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio – In a major undercover operation dubbed “Operation Unsportsmanlike Conduct,” seven men were arrested after allegedly attempting to solicit sex from individuals they believed to be underage girls.
The operation, led by Jackson Township Police, took place at the Wingate by Wyndham hotel in the Belden Village area on July 31. Authorities stated that the suspects used cell phones to arrange meetings with girls as young as 13, 14, and 15—who were actually undercover officers posing as minors.
Among those arrested were:
Jacob Bauer, 48, of Massillon
Ryan Strouse, 37, of Massillon
Mustafa Cakar, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA
Andres Gallardo, 44, of Cleveland
Michael Chaffee, 69, of Wadsworth
Alberto Perez, 28, of Canton
Edmund Starr, 37, of Broadview Heights
All seven were charged with attempt to commit unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, importuning, and possession of criminal tools, all felony offenses. Andres Gallardo faces an additional charge of attempted rape.
Notably, Mustafa Cakar and Alberto Perez were found to be in the United States illegally. They have been referred to the Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE) for deportation proceedings.
The suspects appeared in Massillon Municipal Court on August 4. Authorities emphasized their ongoing commitment to protecting children from online and in-person exploitation.
