15 arrested in Collin County child predator sting

A week-long child predator sting led to more than a dozen arrests of men in Collin County.

The Collin County Sheriff’s Department says it worked with district attorney's office, the FBI and a host of surrounding police agencies on Operation Medusa.

Investigators said they rounded up 15 men for either online solicitation of a minor or possession of child pornography.

In a statement released about the arrests, Collin County officials said: "If you traffic or trade in child pornography or you come into Collin County for the purpose of having sex with a child, we are hunting for you. We will protect our children."

One of the men arrested was Richard Butterly, 71, owner of Poor Richard’s Café in Plano.

A search warrant affidavit listing his Murphy home address states that he downloaded special software to his computer. A file got the attention of investigators who discovered he'd allegedly downloaded 15 files, two of which were videos of a pre-pubescent girl exposing herself.

No one answered when FOX4 went to Butterly's home. But his restaurant manager, who did not want to speak on camera, says Butterly told him the incident was a "misunderstanding." The manager told me the restaurant employs 37 people and they are all concerned about the serious allegations.

Kirk Martinez was another one of those arrested. Police said the City of Plano 911 operator posted an ad on Craigslist that got the attention of investigators. They engaged Martinez in conversation, with Martinez believing he was talking to the mother of a 10-year-old girl

Documents show Martinez shared child pornography and wanted to meet the child for sex acts.

Plano officials said Martinez is on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigations.

The sheriff’s department wants the word to get out that those types of online offenses are a very real danger to children.

"I think that it's important for anyone, if they feel like a family member or friend or acquaintance or anyone did they think was a victim of these types of crimes that they reach out to local police departments,” said Capt. Jim Moody.