On Monday, Townhall reported the following:
An undercover operation in Florida, labeled “Operation Seek and Ye Shall Find Out,” led to the arrests of 48 men, including 6 illegal aliens. The sting against child sex predators lasted for six days in Marion County, Florida.
The report from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said the men used various social media platforms, including Snapchat and dating apps, to meet children and to coordinate physical meetings. Undercover officers interacted with the men, who believed they were communicating with 13-15 year old children.
The alleged predators possessed condoms, guns, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs at the time of their arrests, according to investigators.
Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier spoke Wednesday at a press conference held after the operation.
“As a father, I am outraged by the heinous crimes we spoke about today,” said Uthmeier. “As Attorney General, I’m proud of the brave officers behind this record-breaking operation. The predators arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office thought they were meeting children—instead they were met with handcuffs. In Florida, we protect our kids and hold predators accountable.”
These arrests should serve as a warning to parents to always be aware of who your children are talking to online. Predators use different social media platforms and different methods of luring children. In some cases, children from are lured into trafficking with promises of modeling careers.
The article concludes:
The report from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office alleges that many of these men used social media platforms to arrange explicit meet-ups locations. Forty of the men have been charged with traveling to meet a minor for illegal sexual conduct and human trafficking.
Uthmeier stated the Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit against Snapchat, alleging the platform violated Florida laws designed to protect its children.
“There is no defense,” said Uthmeier. “There is no justification. There is no excuse. It cannot happen, and it will not happen in Florida.”