GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – 16 people are behind bars after Alachua County deputies conducted a three-day undercover operation. Those arrested are accused of using the internet to attempt to sexually exploit children.
“Operation Firewall” lasted from July 30 through Aug. 1, deputies arresting individuals after they traveled or within Alachua County with the intention of criminally engaging with children.
Deputies seized firearms, drugs, and adult intimate devices. Arrests were made in partnership with multiple other law enforcement agencies.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested the following individuals: Mark Meiser, Fausto Granja, Kyle Flowers, Ibrahim Kayali, Craig McCostlin Jr., Chris Johnson, Ean McMunn, Phlip Cabigting, Rafael Morand, Joseph El Meouchy Dit El Englizi, Christopher Daniels, Justin Ethridge, Travis Contreras, Roman Hernandez-Jimenez, Dante Williams, and Richard Moore.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2026 WCJB. All rights reserved.
