Rochester man among five arrested for underage sexual exploitation

FALL RIVER — On Wednesday, March 12, Massachusetts State Police conducted an undercover operation targeting underage sexual exploitation in Fall River, ultimately putting five individuals under arrest, including Rochester resident Orion Wellinghurst, 38.

Wellinghurst has been charged with sexual conduct for a fee with a child, enticement of a child under the age of 16, attempt to commit a crime with attempted rape of a child and resisting arrest.

The collaborative undercover operation was successfully conducted by the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, the Fall River Police Department’s Community Action and Suppression Team and the Massachusetts State Police Troop D Community Action Team.

The operation aimed to target the demand for underage commercial sex and combat the sexual exploitation of children.

As part of the operation, an undercover trooper posted a fictitious online advertisement on a website known for facilitating commercialized sex, posing as a 15-year-old female. This approach was designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable minors.

After establishing probable cause, the undercover officer arranged a meeting at a designated location with the suspect. Following the suspect’s arrival, law enforcement officials took him into custody.