Six people have been arrested in North Florida as part of an undercover operation aimed at online child predators, according to Attorney General James Uthmeier. The effort, called Operation Summer Hurricane, involved multiple law enforcement agencies and targeted individuals attempting to exploit children online.
“Thanks to the many law enforcement partners involved in Operation Summer Hurricane, six predators, including one illegal alien, who targeted Florida children were caught and will face prosecution,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Florida families should know that we will use every tool available to put these offenders behind bars and make our state the safest place in the nation to raise a family.”
Franklin County Sheriff A.J. "Tony" Smith described the operation as the first of its kind in Franklin County. “This is the first operation of its kind in Franklin County, and I couldn't be more proud of our law enforcement officers, special agents, and analysts whose hard work made it a success,” he said. “Their dedication and teamwork led to the apprehension of dangerous predators who pose a threat to our community. We are especially grateful for the strong partnerships that made this operation possible. Together, we remain committed to protecting our communities and keeping our children safe.”
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized child protection as a top priority for his agency. “Protecting Florida’s children is our highest mission. Florida families can count on us to pursue anyone who seeks to exploit a child,” Glass stated. “I want to commend the outstanding men and women of FDLE and our partner agencies for their relentless work to take these predators off our streets. FDLE will never stop fighting for Florida’s families.”
The arrests resulted from a three-night operation conducted July 10-12 by several agencies including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee Regional Operations Center Violent Crime 2 Squad, North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Tallahassee Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, Office of Statewide Intelligence, and Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
The following individuals were arrested during Operation Summer Hurricane:
Colbey G. Adams was taken into custody by Leon County deputies on charges related to promoting or directing sexual acts by a child; solicitation; harmful communication with a minor; and unlawful use of communication devices.
Jarvis Arteza Baker Jr., arrested by FDLE on attempted human trafficking charges along with traveling to meet a minor; misuse of communication devices; obscene communications; plus additional charges filed by Franklin County authorities for fleeing with property damage and reckless driving.
William Jared Breski was arrested twice: once by Franklin County deputies for failure to register as required and providing false registration information; then again by Leon County deputies on charges similar to Adams’, including promoting sexual acts by a child.
Joshua Heath Lolley was charged with traveling to meet a minor and misuse of communication devices.
Christopher Edward Nabors faces counts including traveling for illicit purposes involving minors as well as transmission of harmful material.
Jose De Jesus Salazar Gomez was detained on allegations involving travel for illegal contact with minors and improper device usage.
Two suspects remain at large while investigations continue.
HSI agents confirmed that Gomez is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico after interviewing him during his arrest; federal authorities have placed an immigration detainer pending further proceedings.
Authorities encourage anyone suspecting child exploitation activities locally or online to report concerns directly or via national tip lines such as those operated by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).