HOLYOKE — Two men were arrested Thursday in a multi-agency operation targeting online child exploitation, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan announced.
The operation involved members of the Holyoke Police Department, Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, Hampden County SPDU, Massachusetts State Police Gang West and Massachusetts State Police SAFE Task Force.
Law enforcement officers posted a fake juvenile escort advertisement online and used a hotel in the Holyoke area for the operation.
Individuals contacted an undercover officer requesting sexual favors in exchange for money.
The undercover officer informed the suspects she was 15 years old.
Around 6:20 p.m., Mohamed Bendrao, 44, of South Hadley arrived at the hotel and was arrested.
Around 8 p.m., Michael Menard, 63, of Chicopee arrived at the hotel and was also arrested.
Both men are charged with sexual conduct for a fee with a child under 18, enticement of a child under the age of 16, and attempt to commit a crime (attempted rape of a child).
The operation was conducted to reduce the demand for commercial sexual exploitation of children, according to police.
