Sixteen people were arrested following a proactive, three-day undercover operation aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals who used the internet to attempt to sexually exploit children, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office hosted “Operation Firewall” from July 30, through Aug. 1 as part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The operation brought together local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
During the operation, investigators also seized three firearms, vehicles, narcotics, drug paraphernalia and adult intimate devices.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the arrests were the result of coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies and partners who dedicated countless hours to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.
“We are grateful to the Columbia Sheriff, Fl, FBI, Florida Highway Patrol, Gainesville (FL) Police Dept, Dept. of Homeland Security, Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 8th Circuit State Attorney, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO), Alachua Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service for their partnership and commitment throughout this operation,” the ACSO said in a Facebook post.
The Sheriff’s Office said protecting children also begins with education. Parents and guardians seeking information about online safety, including popular apps, online behaviors to watch for and ways to help children safely navigate the digital world, can contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Digital Crimes Unit at DCU@alachuasheriff.org.
Anyone who believes a child is communicating with someone online in an inappropriate or concerning manner is encouraged to report it as soon as possible. Reports can be made to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, or the social media platform or internet service provider involved.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: 16 face charges after Alachua County child exploitation sting
Reporting by Staff report, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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By Staff report, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
