Statewide task force arrests 132 in child cybersex sting

CENTRAL FLORIDA — A statewide task force announced the results of a four-month-long child cybersex sting that included 132 arrests and about 200 charges.

Investigators said the suspects were trolling the Internet hoping to meet up with children for sex.

The results of the investigation were announced Tuesday morning in Polk County.

The Florida Sheriff's Association said in 2009 they would make protecting children against sex crimes a priority, and Tuesday the association showed off some of its most recent catches.

Nine law enforcement agencies helped coordinate several undercover stings throughout the state from March through June.

Polk County detectives said they arrested a Disney worker, who allegedly told authorities he fantasized about having sex with a 14-year-old boy and that it was not the first time he had traveled to have sex with an underage boy.

For the stings, undercover agents would go online and pose as children in chatrooms and other social media platforms to see who would try to solicit them for sex and meet up with them. That's when detectives would move in and arrest them.

In March, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office arrested 26 people, which was the most in any of the participating counties. Volusia County arrested 14 and Polk County arrested 13 people during the four months.

WJAX