PORT CLINTON, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)-– A coordinated three-day undercover investigation, dubbed “Operation Lifeboat,” has resulted in the indictment of 10 individuals on charges related to the online solicitation of minors. The operation, which took place from September 24 to September 26, 2026, targeted suspects engaging with law enforcement officers posing as children online.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Catawba Island Township Police Department. Officers posed as children between the ages of 13 and 15 on various digital platforms, leading suspects to travel to pre-arranged locations with the intent of meeting a minor for sexual activity. Several suspects allegedly offered monetary compensation in exchange for sexual conduct.

Ottawa County Prosecutor James VanEerten stated that the operation reflects a proactive stance against the growing threat of digital child exploitation. “We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who seek to harm children in all of our communities,” VanEerten said.

The success of the operation was supported by a wide array of local, state, and federal agencies, including the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and multiple regional police and drug task force units.

As a result of the investigation, an Ottawa County Grand Jury has issued indictments for the following individuals:

*   Gregory Hart, 72, of Catawba Island Township, OH: Importuning, Possession of Criminal Tools, and Attempted Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material.

*   William Haidle, 63, of Port Clinton, OH: Importuning, Compelling Prostitution, Possessing Criminal Tools, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Tampering with Evidence.

*   Michael Staffiero, 43, of Amherst, OH: Importuning, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Attempted Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material, Attempted Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor, and Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles.

*   Alexander Strautmann, 30, of Westlake, OH: Importuning, Attempted Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Compelling Prostitution, Possessing Criminal Tools, and Tampering with Evidence.

*   David Carpenter, 61, of Waterford, MI: Importuning, Possessing Criminal Tools, and Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor.

*   Chad Mutchler, 56, of Loudonville, OH: Importuning, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Possessing Criminal Tools.

*   Lawrence Will, 70, of South Rockwood, MI: Importuning, Attempted Corrupting Another with Drugs, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Compelling Prostitution, Possessing Criminal Tools, and Attempted Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material.

*   Timothy Rawson, 53, of Sunbury, OH: Importuning, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Possessing Criminal Tools.

*   Anthony Moreno, 22, of Toledo, OH: Importuning, Compelling Prostitution, Possessing Criminal Tools, and Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor.

*   Lakshmi Anbalagan, 42, of Delaware, OH: Importuning, Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, and Possessing Criminal Tools.

This operation follows “Operation Safe Harbor,” a 2025 initiative that resulted in the successful prosecution and imprisonment of 10 individuals for similar crimes.

Authorities indicated that the investigation remains active, with at least seven additional individuals currently under scrutiny. Officials noted that further charges may be filed as the investigation concludes.

The Prosecutor’s Office reminds the public that an indictment is a formal charge and does not constitute a determination of guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.