Teacher and Four Others Arrested in Trafficking Sting

Stacey Ray Lancaster, a 46-year-old teacher from Hudson, New Hampshire, and four other men were arrested in a federal sting operation targeting child sex trafficking. Lancaster, who oversaw the Naval Junior ROTC program at Manchester West High School, allegedly responded to an online ad offering minors for sex, agreeing to pay for illicit activities with a fictitious 12-year-old. The operation, led by U.S. Homeland Security and local law enforcement, did not involve any actual children. Lancaster was placed on administrative leave and is awaiting trial at his mother's house. Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel assured the community that the arrest is not connected to any students within the district. The case highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood to combat child exploitation.