HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office wrapped up a massive multi-week undercover operation this week, leading to the arrest of 89 people and a staggering 1,217 felony charges. The sting, which ran from New Year’s Day through February 6, 2026, targeted individuals attempting to purchase sex or sexually exploit children.
Undercover detectives from the Human Trafficking Section and the Internet Predator Unit posed as minors or facilitators online. According to investigators, the suspects arrived at designated locations expecting to meet underage victims, unaware they had been messaging law enforcement the entire time.
Sheriff Chad Chronister noted that in several instances, suspects had negotiated specific prices and logistics to buy a child.
“In every instance, they were communicating with law enforcement and arranging their own arrest,” Chronister said.
The arrests spanned a wide range of individuals, including 41-year-old Stephen Fabic, a math teacher at Hillsborough High School. Authorities allege Fabic offered to pick up a teenager and bring them to his home for sexual activity.
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ALL SUSPECTS:
Another suspect, 69-year-old John Altieri, reportedly arranged a ride-share service to transport a juvenile to his residence. Altieri was already serving home confinement on probation in Hernando County at the time of his arrest.
Beyond the arrests of those seeking sex, the operation led to the direct rescue of children in immediate danger. One investigation, sparked by a cyber tip, involved the exploitation of a sleeping two-year-old. Deputies arrested 42-year-old Peter Torres and safely recovered the toddler.
In a separate case, detectives located a missing 17-year-old girl being trafficked for commercial sex; her alleged trafficker, 23-year-old Armani Hopkins, was taken into custody.
Sheriff Chronister issued a direct warning to those using digital platforms for exploitation, stating, “If you are using a hotel room, a chat app, or a fake profile to pursue a child, we are there. Our detectives will follow the digital trail all the way to your door.”
The operation relied on a network of support, with victim services provided by Selah Freedom and One More Child. The Florida Department of Children and Families, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the crackdown.
While the bulk of the arrests have been processed, the Public Affairs Office indicated that several cases remain part of an active, ongoing investigation.
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