A recent statewide undercover operation in Florida, dubbed ‘Operation Bad Habits,’ has resulted in the arrest of 58 suspects who targeted children for sex. The operation was led by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Florida Attorney General’s Office and multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies.

Operation Details

During the week-long operation, detectives posed online as children between the ages of 7 and 15. They were solicited by predators who arranged to meet who they believed was a child for sex. When the suspects arrived at the meeting spot, they were taken into custody.

The arrested suspects included fathers, coaches, teachers, a high school student, and both legal and illegal immigrants. The state attorney’s office confirmed that a total of 58 suspects were arrested.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods praised the teamwork and determination among the agencies involved, stating that they are sending a clear message to child sex predators that Florida has no tolerance for such crimes and will continue to protect children.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also commented on the operation, saying that with nearly 1,700 predators arrested since he took office, they are just getting started. He added that the 58 child predators arrested in this operation are now behind bars and away from children, thanks to the efforts of Florida’s sheriffs who put themselves in harm’s way to keep kids safe.

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are possible in the coming weeks.

Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.