Police say suspects believed they were meeting minors after engaging in explicit online conversations with undercover officers.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A three-day undercover operation conducted by the Ocala Police Department (OPD) resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals accused of attempting to exploit children online.
Undercover sting targets online predators
From June 26 to June 28, Ocala detectives posed as minors on multiple chat platforms in an effort to identity and apprehend individuals who sought to lure children into sexual encounters. According to police, the suspects knowingly engaged in explicit online communication with individuals they believed were underage and then traveled to meet them in person.
Arrests span across Marion County and beyond
The sting operation led to the arrest of suspects ranging in age from 18 to 59. Among those taken into custody, six reside in the city of Ocala, seven are from elsewhere in Marion County, and two live outside the county. Authorities also seized seven vehicles during the course of the operation.
Police reaffirm commitment to child safety
“Our top priority is keeping our community safe, especially our children,” Ocala Police said in a statement, “The Ocala Police Department is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that those who harm or attempt to harm innocent children are brought to justice.”
Charges filed against suspects
A total of 49 charges were filed against the suspects. These include: one count of human trafficking, 14 counts of travelling to meet a minor, 15 counts of soliciting a minor, 15 counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device, one count of transmitting harmful material to a minor, one count of misrepresenting age, one count of narcotics possession and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Those arrested in the sting are:
Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sherif’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office
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