FORT BLISS, Texas –
The multi-agency operation was part of the Texas Department of the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force efforts and included the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.
Two non-DOD affiliated civilians, John Goeble and Bradley Pieper, were arrested in a joint agency effort as part of the ongoing Operation Escudo De Los Ninos effort, through which a federal, state and county law enforcement task force aims to track down adults who prey on children.
Goeble and Pieper were charged with Coercion and Enticement (Online Enticement of a Minor).
“Army CID proactively gets out into the community to find and neutralize any potential threats to our children,” said Acting Supervisory Special Agent Jay Higle, Army CID Southwest Field Office - ICAC Task Force. “While this operation was a success and a great joint effort, we will continue to work with our partners to keep our kids safe.”
The FBI and HSI took custody and lead of the investigations from Army CID’s operation. The follow-up investigation for Goeble will be conducted by the FBI. HSI will take the lead on the second arrestee, Pieper.
Army CID special agents continue to urge parents and the family members of minors to keep a close eye on the online activities of their children. For information on how to report a crime visit:
https://www.cid.army.mil/Submit-a-Tip/.
The Texas Internet Crime Against Children Task Force is part of a national network of 61 coordinated task forces, representing more than 5,400 federal, state and local law enforcement officers dedicated to keeping children safe from child exploitation on the Internet, according to the ICAC website.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further information will be provided at this time.