JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind.–A man from Indianapolis with a criminal history was sentenced to 16 years in prison this week for promotion of child sexual trafficking, a level 3 felony.

52-year-old Deon McClendon was one of 22 men arrested as part of a three-day undercover child solicitation operation conducted in September 2024 by members of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office along with Franklin, Edinburgh, and Greenfield Police Departments.

Investigators say McClendon was arrested after communicating both text and phone to a female posing as a 15-year-old and traveled to Johnson County. McClendon said he wanted to take her to Indianapolis and have her engage in sex acts with adults for money.

Police say McClendon told the girl to pack an overnight bag and said he would teach her the tricks of

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