Former Vassar officer among 13 arrested in GHOST operation

GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WNEM) - Authorities in Genesee County arrested 13 people, including a former part-time Vassar police officer, in connection with a four-month-long human trafficking investigation.

Authorities in Genesee County arrested 13 people, including a former part-time Vassar police officer, in connection with a four-month-long human trafficking inv

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson was joined by Chris Hanson, the former host of How to Catch a Predator, when he announced the details of the operation by the Genesee Human Trafficking Oppression Strike Team (GHOST).

The investigation involved multiple locations throughout Genesee County and multiple adults traveling to have sex with a 15-year-old, 14-year-old and 13-year-old, Swanson said.

Thirteen people were arrested in connection with the investigation. Among the suspects, Swanson highlighted the arrest of Todd Barraco, 44, who allegedly tried to have sex with a 15-year-old, according to the sheriff. He was arrested Thursday night and fired from the Vassar Police Department, Swanson stated.

“He was there for a child and it was unmistakable from the chats and the phone calls and everything that went into it,” said Hanson. “You guys went to his vehicle, found three guns and handcuffs.”

Swanson said his office is still actively investigating Barraco’s alleged former employment in education since 2014, adding his employment at the multiple schools listed on his online profile need to be verified.

“In 2014 he left the Implay City schools as the Dean of Students. In 2015, he left as the assistant principal of Westwood High School,” said Swanson.

Barraco also resigned from his position as principal for Merrill Community Middle and High Schools in 2016.

Swanson hopes Barraco’s arrest brings closure to anyone who may have also been victimized, and encourages them to come forward.

“Perhaps other victims can see the picture, come forward, feel like they have a voice. They know that maybe somebody like this who has never been caught has been held accountable,” Swanson said.

Barraco has been charged with child sexually abusive material, a 20-year felony, communication with another to commit a crime, a 20-year felony, and accosting for immoral purposes, a 4-year felony.

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