A multi-agency undercover operation targeting online child predators led to 16 arrests across Central Florida, authorities said.From March 18 through March 21, detectives with the Osceola County Internet Crimes Against Children unit worked alongside officers from the Orlando, Kissimmee, the St. Cloud and Lake City police departments, as well as the Orange and Polk County sheriff’s offices, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI, during “Operation Catch a Con.”Officials said 15 of the 16 men arrested traveled to meet what they believed was a minor for sex. One additional suspect was arrested in Hillsborough County on an outstanding warrant.Each suspect faces multiple charges, including traveling to meet a child for unlawful sexual activity, unlawful use of a communication device to facilitate a felony, harmful communication to a minor and attempted lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.The operation was conducted in coordination with the Office of Statewide Prosecutors.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the arrests reflect ongoing efforts to target child predators in the state.”That is pure evil and we will stop at nothing to keep finding every single one of them and we will prosecute them to the fullest,” Uthmeier said.Officials said about 1,400 suspected sexual predators have been arrested in Florida over the past year as part of similar operations.Osceola County Sheriff’s Office officials said the agency continues to serve as the lead for the Central Florida ICAC Task Force, which includes 67 partner agencies across 17 counties.Authorities said the investigation highlights continued efforts to identify and arrest individuals who target children online.
A multi-agency undercover operation targeting online child predators led to 16 arrests across Central Florida, authorities said.
From March 18 through March 21, detectives with the Osceola County Internet Crimes Against Children unit worked alongside officers from the Orlando, Kissimmee, the St. Cloud and Lake City police departments, as well as the Orange and Polk County sheriff’s offices, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI, during “Operation Catch a Con.”
Officials said 15 of the 16 men arrested traveled to meet what they believed was a minor for sex.
One additional suspect was arrested in Hillsborough County on an outstanding warrant.
Each suspect faces multiple charges, including traveling to meet a child for unlawful sexual activity, unlawful use of a communication device to facilitate a felony, harmful communication to a minor and attempted lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
The operation was conducted in coordination with the Office of Statewide Prosecutors.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the arrests reflect ongoing efforts to target child predators in the state.
“That is pure evil and we will stop at nothing to keep finding every single one of them and we will prosecute them to the fullest,” Uthmeier said.
Officials said about 1,400 suspected sexual predators have been arrested in Florida over the past year as part of similar operations.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office officials said the agency continues to serve as the lead for the Central Florida ICAC Task Force, which includes 67 partner agencies across 17 counties.
Authorities said the investigation highlights continued efforts to identify and arrest individuals who target children online.
