3 Men Charged In Child Exploitation Sting Operation: Hartford PD

HARTFORD, CT — Three men were charged in Hartford after an undercover child exploitation operation conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking Task Force, authorities said.

The operation took place May 28 and targeted individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with someone they believed to be an underage girl, according to Hartford police.

Members of the Hartford Police Special Investigation Division's Child Exploitation Prevention Unit worked alongside federal investigators during the operation.

Police said three suspects arrived at a predetermined location in Hartford and were taken into custody without incident.

All three were transported to the Hartford Police Detention Facility and held on bonds of $500,000.

Those arrested were:

• Billa Hasan, of Wolcott, charged with:
  • Criminal attempt to commit second-degreee sexual assault.
  • Criminal attempt to commit sexual abuse of a minor.
  • Criminal attempt of risk of injury to a minor — sexual contact with a victim under 16.
• Abdul Sheikh, of Rocky Hill, charged with:
  • Criminal attempt to commit second-degreee sexual assault.
  • Criminal attempt to commit sexual abuse of a minor.
  • Criminal attempt of risk of injury to a minor — sexual contact with a victim under 16.
• Lennox Williams, of Holyoke, Mass., charged with:
  • Criminal attempt to commit second-degreee sexual assault.
  • Criminal attempt to commit sexual abuse of a minor.
  • Criminal attempt of risk of injury to a minor — sexual contact with a victim under 16.

Hartford police said the department "remains committed to protecting children and investigating crimes involving the exploitation of minors."

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information related to crimes against children is encouraged to contact the Hartford Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through the department's tip line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).