Florida child-sex sting snags 28 suspects

Nov. 26 (UPI) -- An undercover operation conducted Wednesday through Sunday by the Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Osceola County was able to nab 28 suspects who were interested in sex with children.

The child-sex sting netted a Brevard County substitute teacher, a Tampa soldier, a former Navy pilot and a man from Italy who was in the U.S. on a business trip.

One woman and 27 men were arrested in all, ranging in age from 19 to 52. The woman was married to a man who was also busted.

During the operation, police posed as minors or relatives offering children for sex. The suspects all came to Osceola County to have sex with children they thought were 11 to 15 years old. They brought items including drugs, condoms, sex toys and candy.

Detectives used websites like datehookup.com, PlentyOfFish, Craigslist, backpage.com, grindr.com and meetme.com to post ads.

"Single dad with lovely daughter. Looking for another man who is willing to help with her," read a fake ad written by a "nudist father." Another one was labeled, "Open Minded stepmom avail this weekend."

Charges levied against the suspects include attempted lewd or lascivious battery, traveling to seduce a child or meet a minor for sex, use of a computer to solicit a child or guardian for sex, attempted sexual battery and procuring a child for prostitution.

[Sun Sentinel]