Drone Footage Captures Dramatic Takedown as Five Arrested in San Francisco Undercover Sting Targeting Online Child Predators

San Francisco deputies arrested five men after a three-day undercover operation that targeted people suspected of attempting to meet children online for sexual activity. Drone video released by the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office shows officers tackling one suspect who tried to flee after arriving at a San Francisco residence where an in-person meeting had been arranged.

Drone footage released by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office shows undercover deputies tackling a suspect attempting to flee an online child predator sting. Deputies posed as children or parents on social media and online gaming platforms. ABC7

Operation and Takedown

Investigators said undercover personnel posed as minors or as the minors’ parents or handlers on social media and online gaming platforms to initiate contact and arrange meetings. After online conversations, suspects were directed to a specific San Francisco address, where deputies were waiting to detain them upon arrival.

Drone footage released by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office shows undercover deputies tackling a suspect attempting to flee an online child predator sting. Deputies posed as children or parents on social media and online gaming platforms. ABC7

Drone footage shows a man approach and briefly enter the home before sprinting back out the front door. Several deputies quickly converged, tackled him to the ground and secured the scene as additional officers moved out of the residence to take other suspects into custody.

San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto. San Francisco District Attorney's Office

Arrests and Charges

Authorities identified the five arrested men as Reuben Teague, 50, described in public records as a prominent California real estate investor; Jorge Nieto, 27, of San Francisco; Michael Pauter, 43, of San Mateo; Jhonny Rodriguez Diaz, 37, of Redwood City; and Romuald Santiago, 32, of Daly City.

Reuben Teague. NHP Foundation

All five face felony counts of meeting a minor for lewd purposes and misdemeanor counts related to arranging such meetings. Officials said the defendants have pleaded not guilty to the felony charges and remain in custody pending trial.

"They came from different backgrounds and walks of life," San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said. "That is an important reminder that there is no single profile of someone who commits these crimes. You never truly know who is behind a computer screen."

"Thankfully, the court has found that these individuals, like we know, are too dangerous to be among us in the community," San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said. "We certainly moved to detain them, as we know, they pose a substantial public safety risk to our children."

Law enforcement emphasized the importance of vigilance by parents and guardians and reminded the public that online anonymity can conceal the true identity and intentions of those who seek contact with minors. The Sheriff’s Office said the operation demonstrates how coordinated undercover efforts can identify and remove potential threats from the community while criminal cases proceed through the courts.