TAMPA, FL — A multi-week undercover operation in the Tampa Bay area has concluded with the arrest of 89 individuals and a staggering 1,217 combined felony charges. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced the results of the sting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, revealing a net that caught everyone from a local teacher to a fugitive on home confinement.
The operation, which ran from January 1 to February 6, 2026, utilized undercover detectives posing as minors or facilitators to intercept those looking to purchase or exploit children.
High-Profile Arrests
Among the dozens taken into custody, Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted several cases involving severe breaches of trust and repeated criminal behavior:
- The Educator:Stephen Fabic, 41, a math teacher at Hillsborough High School, was arrested on February 2. Investigators allege Fabic negotiated to pick up a teenager and bring them to his home for sexual activity. The school district confirmed Fabic has since been terminated.
- The Probationer:John Altieri, 69, allegedly arranged for a rideshare to transport a juvenile to his home. At the time, Altieri was on home confinement and probation in Hernando County. Detectives coordinated with the Florida Department of Corrections to apprehend him.
- The Trafficker:Armani Hopkins, 23, was arrested after detectives located and rescued a missing 17-year-old girl who was being exploited for commercial sex.
- The Predator:Peter Torres, 42, was identified after a cyber tip led investigators to evidence involving the exploitation of a sleeping two-year-old child. The child was recovered safely.
“Arranging Their Own Arrest”
Sheriff Chronister emphasized that the suspects often spent days or weeks “negotiating” prices and logistics with undercover detectives, unaware they were walking into a trap.
“In every instance, they were communicating with law enforcement and arranging their own arrest,” said Sheriff Chronister. “If you are using a hotel room, a chat app, or a fake profile to pursue a child, we are there.”…