Chilling details emerged as several Bay Area men were arrested for child exploitation crimes, as part of an undercover sting operation dubbed Operation Broken Heart. According to Contra Costa County authorities, the men targeted minors via the internet, planning to meet and engage in sexual acts with them. The sting, running from February 26 to March 7, netted six potential predators, with arrests facilitated by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
A former teacher was among those caught in the web. Joseph Rudolfo Martinez, a 38-year-old Union City resident and erstwhile 10th-grade English teacher, was arrested after sending explicit images to undercover officers posing as 13-year-old girls. "Martinez sent the officers images of his genitals and indicated he was a teacher," the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office stated. His bail is posted, and prosecutors are currently reviewing his case.
Meanwhile, 44-year-old James Paul Walsh from Hayward was taken into custody after attempting to lure a supposed 13-year-old girl. Walsh, who also posted bail, awaits the prosecutor's review. Alexander Derrick Hellmund, a 59-year-old from Concord, didn't escape the law either after showing up to meet a minor boy. Hellmund has been formally charged with felonies, including attempted kidnapping and lewd acts with a minor.
Others snared in the operation include Elmer Desiderio Ramirez-Lucha, 45, and two younger suspects, Mahmut Guzelsu and Brady Allen Godsey-Lally, both 27. These men have been charged with felonies, with officials pushing to quickly bring all cases to the court. "Operation Broken Heart is an example of how the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement work together in making Contra Costa County safer," District Attorney Diana Becton stressed, signaling the gravity of the crimes.
Parents and guardians have been urged to educate their children about the dangers lurking in digital corners. The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, bolstered by several local and federal agencies, provides resources on its website to assist with these conversations.
