Eight Arrested in Child Predator Stings Across Rockville, Prattville

Eight men, including Michael Sherman, a pre-school teacher from Rockville, were arrested by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and the NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force for attempting to exploit minors online during an undercover operation. Sherman, who had worked at the Bender JCC Rockville community center, was immediately terminated following his arrest, with the center emphasizing that he had passed all background checks and that they are committed to child safety. The suspects believed they were communicating with children under 15 on various online platforms, prompting law enforcement to urge parents to monitor their children's online activities. The operation highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to prey on minors via the internet. Bender JCC reiterated its partnership with child protection organizations and regular staff training to safeguard children. The incident has shocked the local community and underscores the challenges of preventing online child exploitation.