Swain County -- August 28, 2026: A coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement initiative in early August 2026 has resulted in multiple arrests and an ongoing investigation targeting child predators, according to the Swain County Sheriff’s Office.
The joint initiative, designated as Operation Shepherd's Hammer, utilized specialized law enforcement personnel and strategic resources working from undisclosed staging locations across Swain County. The primary objective of the mission was to identify, locate, and apprehend individuals seeking to engage in illicit and predatory sexual conduct with minors and children.
Throughout the multi-day mission, investigators successfully identified 14 suspects. Four individuals were arrested and booked directly during the operation, with charges against the remaining 10 individuals expected to be filed in the coming weeks.
The four individuals arrested include:
Daniel Shane Brown, 54, of Clyde, NC: Charged with Attempted Statutory Rape of a Child ≤15 Years of Age, Attempted Kidnapping, Indecent Liberties with Children, and Solicitation of Child by Computer.
Paul Christopher Hampton, 28, of Bryson City, NC: Charged with Attempted Statutory Rape of a Child ≤15 Years of Age, Attempted Kidnapping, Indecent Liberties with Children, and Solicitation of Child by Computer.
Bobby Joe Conner, 57, of Sylva, NC: Charged with Attempted Statutory Rape of a Child ≤15 Years of Age, Attempted Kidnapping, Indecent Liberties with Children, Solicitation of Child by Computer, and Sex Offender/Child Premises.
Roberto Guadalupe Zapata Valencia, 33, of Franklin, NC: Charged with Attempted Statutory Rape of a Child ≤15 Years of Age, Indecent Liberties with Children, Solicitation of Child by Computer, and Display Material Harmful to Minor. In addition to local charges, Zapata Valencia was placed under a federal detainer by the United States Government.
Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland expressed gratitude to the regional, state, and federal law enforcement partners that provided direct tactical, investigative, and personnel support. Participating agencies included:
Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)
North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections
Macon County Sheriff’s Office
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office
Franklin Police Department
Brevard Police Department
What is Operation Shepherd’s Hammer?
Operation Shepherd’s Hammer is a specialized, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement undercover operation designed specifically to combat child sexual exploitation, online solicitation, and human trafficking. Coordinating local sheriff’s offices and police departments with state resources like the NC SBI and federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations, the operation pools intelligence, advanced digital forensics, and covert tactical teams. Officers pose online as minors or monitor digital channels to identify adult predators actively attempting to solicit, meet, or exploit children, allowing law enforcement to intercept offenders before physical harm can occur.