Undercover detectives arrested 39 suspects in a week-long investigation targeting online child predators and online prostitution.
- 39 suspects face 126 charges, according to authorities
- Detectives worked undercover, posted fake ads and profiles
- Agencies across Florida were part of investigation
- Link: List of suspects, charges, incidents
The Polk County County Sheriff's Office said 19 of the arrests involved men traveling to meet a minor for sex.
Nineteen more were arrested in connection with online prostitution. One person was charged with possession of child pornography. Click for list of suspects and charges.
Several law enforcement agencies across Florida were part of the investigation including the Sheriff's Offices in Pinellas, Osceola, Seminole and Sarasota counties, the Tampa Police Department and the FBI Orlando Bureau.
During the operation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads or profiles on various social media platforms, websites and mobile phone applications, They posed as children, or as custodians of children, or as prostitutes or those soliciting prostitutes.
"These predators are really out there, trying to violate children," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "All it takes is one glance at the conversations these predators have with our undercover detectives. They lurk in chat rooms, and online, ready to groom and violate your children."
The 39 suspects face a total of 126 charges. Ninety-five of those are felony charges.
A sexual addiction fed over time
In terms of what drives some men to pursue illicit connections with minors despite the great risk of getting caught, Southeastern University psychopathology professor Dr. Larry Hazelbaker described it as a sexual addiction that's been fed over time.
"It's driven, it's persistent, it escalates," said Hazelbaker. "Regardless of the risk -- the risk factor is there -- they're going to act on it. The addiction must be satisfied."
Judd told us he's heard similar sentiments from suspects.
"I said, 'What are you doing here?' He said, 'My common sense told me it was a police sting. But my desire to have sex with children overrode that common sense,'" explained Judd.