Online Sex Sting in Pinellas County Yields 15 Arrests

The Sheriff’s Office has reported that undercover deputies arrested 15 men during an operation that sought out suspects who tried to solicit minors online.

The sting, dubbed “Operation Wayfarer,” lasted a total of five days. During the operation, Pinellas investigators masqueraded as minors online on various websites, chatrooms and social media. They worked to establish online relationships with men who were looking to meet up with minors for the purposes of sexual activity.

Pinellas detectives claim that the suspects explicitly sought out minors for sex in their online communications.

The operation resulted in 15 arrests. All the suspects range in age from 20 to 47 years old and they were arrested on various charges like traveling to meet a minor and online solicitation of a minor.

In today’s time, a single click of the mouse can result in felony sex crimes charges. The sad truth is that many suspects wrapped up in Internet sex crime cases are not even aware they committed a crime. Regardless, any time sex crimes charges are brought, there is a need for strong legal representation. Most sex crimes charges start with investigators intentionally trying to extract a confession out of innocent people. Police will stop at nothing to get a quick confession of a crime.

At Whittel & Melton, our Internet Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers can provide you with the legal representation you need to fight these serious charges. We are committed to defending the rights of clients facing serious sex crime charges in Pinellas County and throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Contact us today online or call 866-608-5529 to arrange a free consultation with us.