OCALA, FL — Marion County and state officials on Thursday said more than 50 people were arrested in what they described as the largest child predator sting in the county’s history. The operation, called Operation Bad Habits, used undercover detectives posing online as children ages 7 to 15 or as parents willing to traffic children to suspects.
Sheriff Billy Woods said the targets did not need to be sought out by investigators. He said the suspects contacted the fake profiles first, setting up the meetings that led to the arrests.
Undercover Tactics
Officials said the operation relied on detectives joining websites and apps where suspects could reach them directly. Woods said the suspects “found us” and solicited the fake profiles, rather than being approached by investigators.
The sheriff said the group included fathers, teachers, coaches and even a high school student. The arrests were announced alongside state and local law enforcement leaders in Ocala.
School Employee Named
Among those identified was Ashay Shakes, 31, who was described by officials as a second-grade teacher at Fessenden Elementary School in Marion County. Marion County Public Schools said Shakes started with the district last August, was told in February that his contract would not be renewed, and had his last day on May 29…