Authorities in Central Florida have arrested 48 individuals and filed 153 charges following a six-day undercover operation targeting online child predators. The effort, led by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and supported by Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, marks the largest number of arrests made during this annual operation.
Attorney General James Uthmeier stated, “As a father, I am outraged by the heinous crimes we spoke about today. As Attorney General, I’m proud of the brave officers behind this record-breaking operation. They came after children, but Florida and federal law enforcement were waiting for them. Thanks to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for putting this operation together so these men were stopped before they could harm a single child.”
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods emphasized the ongoing nature of such investigations: “My office routinely conducts these types of operations. With each operation, we catch more and more. The number of offenders only goes up. Parents, we will never arrest every single one of them. You have to know what your child is doing online, and children have to know what dangers are lurking online. As a Sheriff and as a father, I understand the anger and disgust a parent has towards these types of individuals. I assure you that we will continue to attack this plague head on.”
State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit Bill Gladson praised those involved: "I had the privilege of being able to see this operation firsthand, and it was nothing short of remarkable. Sheriff Woods and his deputies did an outstanding job catching and removing 40 predators from the Central Florida community. A special thank you to Attorney General James Uthmeier and the Office of Statewide Prosecution for their commitment to keeping our community safe.”
The multi-agency effort included nine local, state, and federal law enforcement organizations working together to identify suspects attempting to meet minors or send harmful material online.
The investigation revealed that platforms like Snapchat were used by suspects seeking contact with children; undercover officers posed as minors in these communications. In response, Attorney General Uthmeier’s office has filed a lawsuit against Snapchat alleging violations of state law including HB3 and consumer protection statutes passed last year. The suit claims Snapchat misled parents about risks associated with its platform.
Among those arrested are six foreign nationals flagged with ICE detainers who traveled from Jamaica, El Salvador, Dubai, and India with alleged intent to exploit children in Florida.
Charges brought against defendants include traveling to meet a minor for illegal sexual conduct (34 counts), human trafficking (5), using computers to solicit children (48), unlawful use of communication devices (40), transmitting harmful material (14), as well as other related offenses.
Participating agencies included the Marion County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office; U.S. Marshals Service; State Attorney’s Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Florida Highway Patrol; Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Ocala Police Department; Port Orange Police Department; and Lake City Police Department.