Las Vegas Pastor Busted in Major Child Predator Sting Operation

A shocking development has rocked the Las Vegas community as Robert Paul Schmidt, a prominent pastor at the Community Baptist Church of Las Vegas, was among 14 individuals apprehended in a sweeping multi-agency sting operation targeting alleged child sex predators. The operation, dubbed "Operation Shadow Warrior," was a concerted effort led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) alongside local and state law enforcement.

Schmidt's arrest occurred in mid-June.

He faces charges of online solicitation of a minor, stemming from alleged communications with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl. This disturbing revelation has sent ripples through his congregation and the wider faith community in Southern Nevada.

According to Francisco Burrola, Special Agent in Charge for HSI, "Operation Shadow Warrior" underscored a relentless commitment to protecting vulnerable children from online predators.

The collaborative effort involved not only HSI but also the Henderson Police Department, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force, the FBI, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. This wide-ranging partnership highlights the severity of the threat and the comprehensive approach taken to dismantle such illicit networks.

Following his arrest, Schmidt was released after posting a $20,000 bail.

He is scheduled to appear in court on July 26, 2024, to face the charges. The arrests of Schmidt and the other 13 suspects are part of an ongoing, broader initiative to combat the pervasive issue of child exploitation, both online and offline. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize their dedication to bringing individuals who harm children to justice and ensuring the safety of communities.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk online and the vigilance required from both law enforcement and the public to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.

Investigations into these matters are often complex, requiring extensive resources and inter-agency cooperation to track, identify, and apprehend alleged offenders.