08/13/2026
News Release
For immediate release
Date: August 13, 2026
Contact: Cameron Peterson, Community Relations
Phone: (928) 537-5091 x 256
E-mail: [email protected]
Multi-agency operation targeting s*xual offenders
August 6-7, 2026
On August 6-7, 2026, the Show Low Police Department conducted a multi-agency, two-day undercover operation focusing on identifying and apprehending s*xual predators preying on children in our community. The operation targeted adult predators seeking to engage in illicit s*xual activities with children in the City of Show Low.
Several agencies participated in the operation which included the Show Low Police Department, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Snowflake/Taylor Police Department, Pinetop/Lakeside Police Department, Chandler Police Department, Tucson Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Navajo County Attorney’s Office, HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), AATN (Arizona Anti Trafficking Network), and Darkhorse Benefits. The Show Low Police Department would like to extend our gratitude to our partners for their collaboration in this enforcement detail.
During the operation, five alleged s*xual predators were identified and taken into custody. The suspects are facing various charges including luring a minor for s*xual exploitation (class 2 felony), attempted s*xual conduct with a minor (class 3 felony), and child s*x trafficking (class 2 felony).
Max Jones (69), of Concho, Adam Smith (37), of Snowflake, Robert Jahner (35), of Globe, Brett Romo (32), of Holbrook, and Herculano Gasaway (22), of Snowflake, were all arrested and booked into the Navajo County Annex in Show Low.
Show Low Police Department Chief Westover commented, “The safety of our children is the utmost priority, and combating child s*x crimes requires a strong, united community committed to protecting our most vulnerable. Protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking requires a united effort from families, community members, schools, and law enforcement. The Show Low Police Department is committed to ensuring that credible allegations are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are held accountable through the justice system.”
