A record-breaking undercover child predator operation dubbed Seek and Ye Shall Find Out resulted in the arrest of 48 individuals, including six foreign nationals with ICE detainers in Florida.
“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,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier.
This six-day operation, led by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), resulted in the most arrests for this annual initiative.
“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,” said Sheriff Woods.
According to the report, during the sting, undercover detectives interacted with individuals who believed they were interacting with children ages 13 to 15.
Many of them made clear plans to meet at specified areas where law enforcement was waiting to arrest them, according to the MCSO.
The operation required the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ocala Police Department, the Lake City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, and others.
A total of 40 men were arrested on allegations of traveling to meet a minor for criminal sexual behavior and human trafficking.
During the operation, authorities recovered guns, drugs, cash, and vehicles, and additional arrests are expected as investigators conduct further investigations.
According to the report, the operation found that many predators targeted minors through various online platforms, including Snapchat.
Uthmeier added that the Attorney General’s Office has filed a complaint against Snapchat, accusing the site of breaking Florida child-protection regulations.
At least six of those arrested are on ICE detainers, having traveled from Jamaica, El Salvador, Dubai, and India with the purpose of exploiting children, according to officials.
The accused faces several charges, including:
- Traveling to Meet a Minor for Illegal Sexual Conduct: 34
- Human Trafficking: 5
- Using a Computer to Solicit a Child for Sexual Conduct: 48
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communications Device to Facilitate a Felony: 40
- Transmitting Material Harmful to a Minor: 14
- Traveling to Meet a Minor for Illegal Sexual Conduct Facilitated by a Guardian: 1
- Using a Computer to Solicit a Guardian for Illegal Sexual Conduct with a Child: 1
- Fleeing to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer: 1
- Resisting Arrest without Violence: 2
- Drug Charges: 4
- Drug Paraphernalia: 1
- Reckless Driving: 1
- Violation of Probation: 1
