WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Ten people were arrested in a multi-agency child exploitation investigation called “Operation Not a Fan.” The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) coordinated the operation with the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The operation targeted individuals allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activity with minors. Over several days, undercover agents posed as children online, leading to the arrests of ten men who traveled to meet what they believed were underage victims.
On October 7, authorities served warrants and arrested five suspects in Wakulla County, one in Tallahassee, and one already in the Taylor County Jail. The remaining suspect was apprehended on October 8 while returning to Wakulla County from an alleged work trip.
Arrested Individuals
- Houston Bennett, 38, sexual offender
- Charles Deese, 28, sexual offender
- John Haynes, 41, sexual offender
- Joshua Martin, 39, sexual offender
- Richard Messer, 52, sexual offender
- Sumanth Bala Rayapreddy, 41, sexual offender
- John Sanders, 20, sexual offender
- Spencer Tinson, 56, sexual offender
- Carlton Willis, 63, sexual offender
- Shay Smith, 28, sexual predator
Charges
The suspects face multiple criminal counts, including:
- Use of a computer to solicit a child
- Traveling to meet a minor for sexual activity
- Transmission of harmful material to a minor
All ten suspects were booked, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging parents to monitor their children’s online activity and report any suspicious behavior…