8 arrested in Ottawa County 'child predator' investigation

PORT CLINTON — Authorities in Ottawa County recently arrested eight people, two of whom are local, in "an extensive undercover investigation" targeting individuals who attempted to solicit sex from children online. Operation Safe Harbor — a four-day operation targeting alleged "online child predators" that ran from Thursday through Sunday — was a joint effort involving the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to a news release from the prosecutor's office. As part of the operation, law enforcement officers within Ottawa County posed as children between the ages of 12 and 15 on various online platforms. People who "initiated contact and expressed intent to engage in sexual activity" allegedly agreed to travel to pre-arranged locations with the belief that they were going to be meeting with a child. Some of the individuals allegedly offered monetary compensation in exchange for sexual conduct, the release states. "Operation Safe Harbor was launched as part of an ongoing commitment to combat child exploitation and safeguard children in our communities," the release states. "This operation underscores the proactive and collaborative approach law enforcement is taking to address a growing threat in the digital age." The following people were arrested as part of the investigation: • Noelan L. Winston, 21, fourth block Richland Ave., Huron, was charged with importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, possession of criminal tools and attempted complicity to sexual battery. • Stephen J. Walterbach, 43, 300 block Forest Green Drive, Lakeside-Marblehead, was charged with importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possession of criminal tools. • Robert L. Neuenschwander, 75, of Delta, Ohio, was charged with two counts of importuning, two counts of attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of possession of criminal tools. • Luis Romero Perez, 29, of Toledo, was charged with importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possession of criminal tools. • Keith G. Geyer, 46, of North Royalton, Ohio, was charged with importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, compelling prostitution and possession of criminal tools. • Ryan S. Thomas, 40, of Swanton, Ohio, was charged with importuning and possession of criminal tools. • Larry C. Wymer, 35, of Whitehouse, Ohio, was charged with importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, possession of criminal tools and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. Wymer is classified as a Tier 2 sex offender, having previously been convicted in 2013 in Lucas County of gross sexual imposition involving a minor. • Adam J. Smith, 38, of Oregon, Ohio, was charged with importuning, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and possession of criminal tools. "Numerous other suspects have been identified and investigators will continue to follow up on those leads," the release states.