OCALA, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of 48 individuals, including six foreign nationals flagged with ICE detainers, following a six-day undercover operation targeting online child predators. The operation, coordinated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, marks the highest number of arrests ever made during this annual joint effort to protect Florida children from exploitation and abuse.
“As a father, I am outraged by the heinous crimes we spoke about today. As Attorney General, I’m proud of the brave officers behind this record-breaking operation,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “They came after children, but Florida and federal law enforcement were waiting for them. Thanks to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for putting this operation together so these men were stopped before they could harm a single child.”
“My office routinely conducts these types of operations. With each operation, we catch more and more. The number of offenders only goes up,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. “Parents, we will never arrest every single one of them. You have to know what your child is doing online, and children have to know what dangers are lurking online. As a Sheriff and as a father, I understand the anger and disgust a parent has towards these types of individuals. I assure you that we will continue to attack this plague head on.”…