HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has apprehended fifteen individuals following a multi-day undercover operation targeting those soliciting sexual acts from or attempting to buy sex from juveniles online.
The operation, conducted by detectives with the Human Trafficking Section and Internet Predator Unit between April 21st and April 24th, 2025, spanned multiple online platforms and applications.
During the sting, detectives posed as relatives of a minor, falsely claiming to be selling the child for sex. Additionally, detectives operated undercover as juveniles on social media, engaging in conversations with the suspects.
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These individuals allegedly sent explicit photos of their genitalia. They engaged in explicit sexual conversations via text messages and video calls, fully aware of the fictitious age of the person they were communicating with.
According to HCSO, twelve suspects physically traveled to a designated location with the intention of committing offenses against a minor and were subsequently taken into custody upon arrival. Body camera footage released by the Sheriff’s Office shows the arrest of one of these individuals, identified as 48-year-old Walter Rivera.
Deputies say three other suspects agreed to purchase sex from someone they believed to be a juvenile but did not appear at the physical location. These individuals were later apprehended on warrants related to the investigation.
“As technology continues to enhance and more of our children use the internet as a way to advance their education, connect with friends, and communicate with loved ones, these predators are using it to torment, manipulate, and prey on the innocent,” stated Sheriff Chad Chronister. “By arresting these fifteen criminals, our detectives continue to prove that crimes against kids will never be tolerated in Hillsborough County.”
The Lakeland Police Department and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest of two of the wanted suspects.
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