58 arrested in major child predator sting targeting exploitation crimes
Fifty-eight suspected child predators were arrested after a five-day undercover operation in Marion County in which investigators posed as children as young as 7 online, Florida authorities said.
The suspects allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations and arranged meetings despite being told they were communicating with minors, law enforcement officials announced on Thursday in Ocala. They were taken into custody when they arrived at predetermined locations. Officials said some of those arrested had regular access to children, including parents and teachers.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Bad Habits,” ran from June 1 through June 6, and is being described as the largest Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation in Marion County history.
Charges vary but largely include using a computer to solicit or lure a child, traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity, and using communication devices to facilitate felonies. Some suspects also face additional charges such as kidnapping, transmitting harmful material to minors, human trafficking-related offenses, weapons violations, drug possession and probation violations.
“With nearly 1,700 predators arrested since I took office, we are just getting started,” Attorney General James Uthmeier said. “58 more child predators are behind bars and away from our kids because Florida has the best sheriffs in the nation who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to keep our kids safe.”
Read more: https://cbs12.com/news/local/p....arents-teachers-amon
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