KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that 21 men were arrested in an undercover operation targeting suspected child predators in Osceola County, with state officials vowing to pursue the maximum penalties allowed under law.
The operation, led by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and other law enforcement agencies, targeted individuals accused of attempting to meet minors for sexual activity.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, undercover detectives posed online as children ages 13 and 14 for more than a week in September. In four cases, investigators posed as parents offering children as young as 7.
Authorities said the suspects knew the children’s purported ages and arranged meetings in Kissimmee, where they were arrested.
Of the 21 defendants, four were foreign nationals from Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico and Ecuador. The Venezuelan national was already subject to a removal order, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Four suspects traveled from out of state, while two allegedly left their own children at a vacation rental to meet people they believed were minors.
During Thursday’s news conference, Uthmeier praised investigators for their work and promised aggressive prosecution.
“No mercy for the merciless,” Uthmeier said.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says 20 suspected child predators are behind bars following an undercover operation in Osceola County, including four non-U.S. citizens.
@AGJamesUthmeier: “No mercy for the merciless.” https://t.co/MMHTjC22qy
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 8, 2026
Twenty defendants were arrested on charges of traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The remaining defendant, 36-year-old Charles Victor Morgan of Christmas, was charged with solicitation of a minor after allegedly continuing communications with undercover investigators following a similar operation in March.
The defendants range in age from 22 to 64.
Uthmeier said his office has helped arrest more than 2,000 suspected child predators since he assumed office and emphasized Florida’s commitment to pursuing severe criminal penalties.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who also attended the news conference, praised Gov. Ron DeSantis and law enforcement agencies for their efforts to protect children.
“We will hunt the hunters,” Collins said, promising that offenders would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
WATCH: Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins vowed to hold child predators accountable following 20 arrests in Osceola County.
@JayCollinsFL: “We will hunt the hunters.” https://t.co/jJpwOH8mdI
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 8, 2026
Collins also thanked investigators and their families for the sacrifices involved in undercover operations.
The Osceola County sheriff warned parents that predators frequently use social media, mobile applications and online gaming platforms to approach children, urging families to remain vigilant.
The investigation included the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Homeland Security Investigations and multiple local law enforcement agencies.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed charges against six defendants, while charges remain pending in other cases or have been referred to the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
All defendants will be prosecuted in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be announced.
