JSO: Victims advocate among 17 arrested in Jacksonville sex sting

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has arrested 17 people in an operation that they dubbed Operation D.U.V.A.L.

MUGSHOTS: Over a dozen arrested in Operation D.U.V.A.L

Operation D.U.V.A.L (disrupting underage virtual abuse locally) targeted adults who were seeking out children for sexual activity here in Jacksonville, according to the sheriff.

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Sheriff Williams said two other suspects were identified during their investigations, and two arrests warrants for these suspects have been issued.

At the news conference, the Sheriff's Office, had a board with all 17 mug shots of those arrested. One mugshot was from an arrest Action News Jax told you about Aug. 31.

Michael McNeil, a 30-year-old U.S. Navy serviceman with a rank of Lt. Junior Grade, was arrested Aug. 30 for traveling to meet a minor for sex at a Starbucks in Clay County, deputies said.

STORY: Navy Lieutenant traveled to Clay County for sex with deaf child, deputies say

The sheriff said another suspect arrested, Edward Stanley, works as a victims advocate in North Carolina and was staying in Jacksonville for a victims advocate conference. The sheriff said the Sheriff's Office arrested Stanley for trying to meet with a 14-year-old girl for sexual activity.

The sheriff said the Sheriff's Office would put out information and tips on how to keep your kids safe.

"Your child may be home in their room, but they've got access to a whole bad and dangerous world on the internet," Sheriff Williams said.

Cox Media Group