BREAKING: Sixteen individuals have been arrested in a major undercover operation aimed at catching child predators in Citrus County, Florida. The operation, dubbed Operation Boogeyman, was a collaborative effort led by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit, in partnership with multiple law enforcement agencies.
This urgent initiative targeted dangerous cyber predators attempting to engage in sexual activities with minors online. Law enforcement officials posed as underage children on various websites and social media platforms, where the suspects initiated contact, sending explicit messages and images despite believing they were communicating with minors.
Authorities confirmed that several individuals traveled to meet the supposed minors in person, intending to engage in illegal sexual activities. Among those arrested were previously convicted sex offenders who allegedly violated the terms of their probation or parole.
“These predators knew they were targeting children and still chose to pursue them,” stated Sheriff David Vincent. He emphasized the critical nature of this operation, underscoring the real and dangerous threats present in the digital world. “Operation Boogeyman exposed how real and dangerous these threats are in the digital world. I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women in our High Tech Crimes Unit and the partner agencies who worked tirelessly to bring these predators to justice.”
The operation received support from various agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Tavares Police Department, and Pinellas Park Police Department. The multi-agency collaboration highlights the ongoing commitment to protecting children from online predators.
This significant crackdown on cyber predators serves as a stark reminder of the dangers minors face in the digital landscape. As these arrests unfold, authorities are urging parents to engage in conversations with their children about online safety and the importance of reporting suspicious interactions.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate and monitor online activities to prevent further incidents. As this story develops, more updates are expected regarding the implications of these arrests and ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to ensure the safety of children in our communities.
