Six Arizona Men Arrested During Undercover Child Sex Crimes Investigation

In a joint investigation with the state attorney general’s office and Homeland Security Investigations, the Mesa Police Department announced the arrest of six men during a recent child sex crimes undercover operation.

In the investigations named “Operation Leather Mitt,” the operation targeted child sex crime offenders and human trafficking.

Officers tracked and engaged on websites commonly used by suspects looking for illegal sex acts, specifically involving children. The suspects are between the ages of 21 and 56 years old, are accused of brokering deals for illegal sex acts through the sites with undercover officers in each case.

The six men arrested in this operation were Shane Blanton, Jonathan Techur, Julio Arana, Douglas Klingenberg, Zachary Babbitt, and Ricky Hrubienski.

Charges against the suspects range from luring, child sex trafficking, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, and money laundering.

Mesa police would like to remind the public that if you have any information about someone potentially being trafficked, contact your local police department or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.