Troopers arrest 8 in month-long operation

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – The Martinsburg detachment of the West Virginia State Police  arrested a slew of alleged child predators this month through Operation Key Stroke.

Troopers had posed as underage teens on the websites Plenty of Fish and Craigslist.

Authorities arrested Keith Morris, 23; Michael Napier, 39;  James Coates, 48; David Wilt, 50; Ricky Taylor, 46; Valton Francis,43; and Johnnie Bateman. 39 after they agreed to meet with a minor to have sex, troopers said.

Christopher Sheppard, 26, was arrested for allegedly uploading child porn and also sexually assaulting a 5-year old.

Troopers are reaching out to children across the Panhandle to protect them against child predators beginning with Musselman Middle School this month to teach kids how to stay safe online.





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