Surgeon from Pittsburgh among 8 arrested in Texas online child predator sting
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A surgeon from Pittsburgh was among eight people arrested in a crackdown of suspected online sexual predators targeting children.
Shawn Paul Robinson, 38, a resident of Galveston, was working as a surgeon at the University of Texas Medical Branch, according to a new release from Harris County Constable Harry Rosen.
Robinson was in Texas on a fellowship at the University of Texas, according to the release.
He was released after posting $15,000 bond, according to the release.
Robinson didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.
Robinson was arrested in an operation called “Back to School III,” an undercover effort by the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with Harris County Precinct One Constable’s office and the Houston Police Department leading the operation.
The goal of the operation was “to identify and apprehend adults using the internet and social media to sexually exploit children by soliciting sex and/or sex-related acts,” according to the release.
Task force officers posed as minors in various social media apps from late August to early September.
If convicted of felony online solicitation of a minor, Robinson and the others arrested face up to 20 years in prison.