Lexchront@yahoo.com

A team working undercover to expose a sex crimes operation nabbed former SC Department of Transportation Commissioner John Hardee.

Hardee, 72, was booked into Richland County’s Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on a charge of solicitation of prostitution Aug. 8. He also pleaded guilty earlier that week to charges of federal evidence tampering.

14 people were arrested in the same effort that led to Hardee’s arrest.

One of those arrested was Richland County Deputy Derek Vandenham, 34.

Vandenham thought he was communicating with a 15-year-old-girl, said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.

Lott called Vandenham’s actions “disgusting, in a news conference with SC Attorney General Alan Wilson and members of other agencies.

The sting was entitled “Operation Relentless Guardian.” It was a joint effort involving 8 law enforcement agencies, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the US Secret Service, Homeland Security, and US Marshals.

The operation was intended to identify and arrest child predators, known as “travelers,” and buyers of commercial sex, known as “johns.”

According to Lott, there were 14 travelers over a 5-day period who were communicating with undercover law enforcement officers posing as young girls online. The suspects then traveled to meet the “girls,” one coming from as far as Florida.

5 were arrested and warrants were obtained for the additional 9. Charges range from soliciting the girls for sex, sending nude photos of themselves to the girls, and arriving at a location for the purpose of having sex.

The operation also targeted buyers of commercial sex. According to Lott, a total of 14 johns were arrested for soliciting sex from an undercover deputy.

Wilson and Lott said it is important for parents to be aware of who children are communicating with on the internet.

“It’s imperative that parents be involved and know what their children are doing online, and who they’re talking to,” Lott said. “These predators have a much greater reach than our own backyard.”