CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A multi-agency law enforcement operation dubbed “Operation Boogeyman” has resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals on charges related to online solicitation of minors. The initiative, spearheaded by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU), targeted dangerous cyber predators attempting to engage in sexual activity with children.
The successful sting, which involved personnel posing as underage children on various digital platforms, has exposed the persistent threat minors face in the online world.
Undercover Tactics and Arrests
Law enforcement officers used undercover identities on websites and social media to interact with suspects. According to the CCSO, the arrested individuals initiated contact and sent sexually explicit messages and images, fully aware of the fictitious child’s age. Disturbingly, several suspects went so far as to travel to the area with the explicit intent of meeting the minor for illegal sexual activity.
READ: 4 From Alabama Among 13 Arrested In Florida Predator Sting Operation
Sheriff David Vincent praised the collaborative effort, stating, “These predators knew they were targeting children and still chose to pursue them. ‘Operation Boogeyman’ exposed how real and dangerous these threats are in the digital world.”
Multi-Agency Collaboration Brings Predators to Justice
The initiative was a joint effort involving numerous agencies, highlighting the widespread commitment to combating Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Key partners included:
- Citrus County School Board Police Department
- United States Secret Service
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office
- Tavares Police Department
- Pinellas Park Police Department
Charges and Prior Offenses
The 16 individuals now face a range of charges, including solicitation of minors and attempted lewd or lascivious acts. Among those arrested were previously convicted sex offenders and predators, who were taken into custody for violating conditions of their probation or parole.
Specific charges for those arrested in Citrus County include Travel to Seduce/Solicit Child in Sex Act, Unlawful Use of a 2 Way Communication Device, and Human Trafficking, Child Under 18. Several others arrested on warrants face counts of Harmful Material to a Minor and Solicitation of a Minor.
Law Enforcement Urges Vigilance
Following the operation, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the critical need for parental involvement in child safety online.
The CCSO encourages parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about internet safety and to immediately report any suspicious online behavior to law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office provided a direct line for tips, asking the community to call (352) 249-2790 or use the “Submit a tip” feature on the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office app to report suspected crimes against youth.
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