Bucks County Authorities Arrest 17 in Major Internet Crimes Against Children Operation

Bensalem Township, PA – In a sweeping operation targeting online predators, authorities in Bucks County announced the arrest of 17 individuals accused of exploiting children through the internet. The months-long investigation, spearheaded by the Bensalem Police Department, involved undercover detectives posing as minors to identify and apprehend those seeking to engage in illegal and harmful activity.

Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn emphasized the unwavering commitment to protecting children, stating, “Although these 17 men were unrelenting in their pursuit of children for their own deviant sexual gratification, the Bensalem Township Police Department was unrelenting in pursuing them, and my office will be unrelenting in their prosecution. We are proud to stand with Bensalem Township in this endeavor and grateful for their unwavering commitment to the cause. There is no more worthy cause than protecting our children. Because of efforts like these, Bucks County is leading the state in arrests and prosecutions of Internet Crimes Against Children.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, resources are available. Contact the National Sexual Violence Resource Center or the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.

The arrests, announced during a press conference on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, represent a significant blow to online predators operating within and beyond Bucks County. The investigation revealed that many of the suspects traveled to the area specifically to meet with children they had targeted online.

Charges Related to Solicitation and Travel

Six individuals face charges of soliciting sex and traveling for sex with a minor:

• Anthony Dillard, 49, of West Chester, Pennsylvania
• David Sheregi, 31, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
• Eric Karch, 53, of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
• Warren Batz, 38, of Slatington, Pennsylvania
• Ali Memis, 64, of Levittown, Pennsylvania
• Oscar Castillo-Peralta, 53, of Mays Landing, New Jersey

Charges of Soliciting Sex from a Minor

Five individuals have been charged with soliciting sex from a minor:

• Steven Patras, 65, of Hainesport, New Jersey
• Ryan Fisher, 26, of Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania
• Ian Evans, 35, of Philadelphia
• John Blaskowski, 56, of Frederick, Maryland
• George Shetzline, 54, of Bristol, Pennsylvania

Charges Related to Child Pornography

Six individuals are facing charges related to the possession or distribution of child pornography:

• Joseph Ibbetson, 43, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania
• John Breslin, 42, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania
• Kyle Binder, 30, of Warminster, Pennsylvania
• Dennis Realley, 74, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania
• Terrel Roane, 22, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania
• Matthew Wolff, 34, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania

Bensalem Police Director of Public Safety William McVey highlighted the geographic scope of the problem, noting, “The vast majority of these individuals are not from Bensalem Township. Some not from Bensalem and some not from the Commonwealth of Pa. Sadly they are among us.” He also emphasized the high rate of recidivism among offenders, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures.

Investigators discovered that at least six suspects traveled to Bensalem with the explicit intention of committing sexual offenses against children, often arriving equipped with items like condoms or candy. The Bensalem Police Department has adopted a policy of publicly announcing these arrests, believing transparency serves as a deterrent, despite some concerns it might alert other potential offenders.

Notably, two of the arrested individuals, Anthony Dillard and Steven Patras, were already registered sex offenders under Megan’s Law at the time of their arrests. This underscores the ongoing risk posed by individuals with prior convictions.

The success of this operation is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Bensalem Police Department, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Director McVey stated, “These arrests are the result of tireless investigative work. Our officers are dedicated to tracking down offenders who use technology to exploit children. There are no jurisdictional boundaries for child predators; they can victimize our children from anywhere, and we will continue to hold them accountable and keep our children safe.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate and are working to obtain legal representation information for those suspects who are currently unrepresented. What role should social media platforms play in preventing these types of crimes? And how can parents best protect their children in an increasingly digital world?

Understanding the Tactics of Online Predators

Online predators often employ sophisticated tactics to groom and exploit children. They may create fake profiles, build trust through online interactions, and manipulate victims into sharing personal information or meeting in person. Recognizing the warning signs of grooming is crucial for parents and caregivers. These signs can include excessive secrecy about online activities, changes in mood or behavior, and a sudden interest in new online friends.

The apps used by these predators are constantly evolving. Staying informed about the latest platforms and safety features is essential. Resources like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (https://www.missingkids.org/) provide valuable information and tools for parents.

Apps Used by Online Predators

Officials identified 15 apps frequently used by child predators. Parents should be aware of these platforms and monitor their children’s online activity:

• MeetMe
• Grindr
• Skout
• WhatsApp
• TikTok
• Badoo
• Bumble
• Snapchat
• Kik
• Live.Me
• Holla
• Whisper
• Ask.FM
• Calculator%
• Hot Or Not

Pro Tip: Regularly review your child’s privacy settings on all social media platforms and apps. Ensure they are set to the most restrictive level appropriate for their age and maturity.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of online predators and the importance of proactive measures to protect our children. Share this information with your network to raise awareness and help keep our communities safe.