Three charged with paying for sex with minors following sting operation in Somerset, police say

SOMERSET, Mass. — Three men are facing charges following a successful undercover operation between several law enforcement agencies on Wednesday.

The undercover operation targeted people attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with minors.

Police set up a pre-determined location in Somerset, resulting in the arrests of 38-year-old Fabio A. Gomes of Taunton, 78-year-old John J. Kelley of Taunton, and 54-year-old Gilbert Travassos of Fall River.

All three men who arrived at the location believed they would be meeting a juvenile for sex acts, according to authorities.

Gomes, Kelley, and Travassos were charged with paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18, enticing a child under 16, and attempting to commit a crime.

They will be arraigned in Fall River District Court.

The Swansea Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit assisted Somerset Police with the operation.

“The most effective way to protect our vulnerable populations is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach with our local and state partners,” said Chief William Tedford.

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