SHOW LOW, Ariz. — Five men were arrested during a two-day undercover operation targeting individuals allegedly seeking to exploit children, according to the Show Low Police Department.
The operation, conducted August 6-7, brought together local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in an effort to identify and apprehend adults allegedly attempting to engage in illicit sexual activity with children in the City of Show Low.
Participating agencies included the Show Low Police Department, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Snowflake-Taylor Police Department, Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department, Chandler Police Department, Tucson Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Navajo County Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN), and Darkhorse Benefits.
According to the Show Low Police Department, investigators identified five alleged sexual predators during the operation. Those arrested and booked into the Navajo County Annex in Show Low:
- Max Jones, 69, of Concho
- Adam Smith, 37, of Snowflake
- Robert Jahner, 35, of Globe
- Brett Romo, 32, of Holbrook
- Herculano Gasaway, 22, of Snowflake
Authorities said the suspects face various felony charges, including luring a minor for sexual exploitation, attempted sexual conduct with a minor, and child sex trafficking. Formal charges will be determined through the court process, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Show Low Police Chief Westover said protecting children remains one of the department’s highest priorities.
“The safety of our children is the utmost priority, and combating child sex crimes requires a strong, united community committed to protecting our most vulnerable,” Westover said. “Protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking requires a united effort from families, community members, schools, and law enforcement. The Show Low Police Department is committed to ensuring that credible allegations are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are held accountable through the justice system.”
The Show Low Police Department thanked its law enforcement and community partners for their collaboration, stating that multi-agency operations such as this are an important tool in identifying individuals who seek to exploit children and in protecting vulnerable members of the community.
A mugshot is not available for Brett Romo, presently.
The individuals named in this article have been charged with criminal offenses. Those charges are allegations only, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
