The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), with assistance from the Ocala Police Department, Chiefland Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security, recently concluded an online sting operation resulting in the arrest of 33 men. During the operation, law enforcement officers posed as children online and were contacted by numerous men seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. These individuals engaged in sexually explicit conversations and graphically described the acts they intended to perform.
Many of the suspects arranged to meet with who they believed were children aged 13 to 15. Some even traveled from outside Florida to the arranged meeting locations. Deputies and detectives seized guns, drugs, cash, and vehicles from these offenders, and further arrests are anticipated as investigations continue.
“It always turns our stomachs to find individuals out there that are trying to prey on children here in Marion County,” said Sheriff Billy Woods. “Our message is clear; we will continue to devote our time and resources to bring these disgusting predators to justice. Child predators have only one place in Marion County… and that’s the Marion County Jail.” Sheriff Woods added, “Parents, in just one afternoon of this operation, we arrested nine people who traveled to meet with a child for sex. Your children are their prey. Know what your child is doing on social media and online gaming.”
