BREAKING: Sixteen individuals were arrested in a major undercover sting operation targeting child predators in Citrus County, Florida. The operation, dubbed Operation Boogeyman, was executed by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
This urgent operation, conducted earlier this week, aimed to expose dangerous individuals attempting to engage in sexual activities with minors online. Law enforcement officers posed as underage children on various websites and social media platforms, where they encountered predators sending sexually explicit messages and images.
Authorities report that some suspects even traveled to Citrus County with the intention of meeting the supposed minors in person. Among those arrested were previously convicted sex offenders who violated the conditions of their probation or parole.
“These predators knew they were targeting children and still chose to pursue them,” stated Sheriff David Vincent. “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.”
This operation highlights the ongoing risk children face online and the relentless efforts by law enforcement to combat these heinous crimes. The collaboration among various agencies underscores a growing commitment to protect children and ensure swift action against those who threaten their safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging parents to remain vigilant and educate their children about online safety. Expect further updates as law enforcement evaluates the operation’s impact and potential additional leads in the ongoing battle against cyber predators.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this important issue affecting communities nationwide.
