Operation Cyber Child Nets 16 Arrests Including a Juvenile

A total of 16 males, including a high school geometry teacher and theme park workers were arrested in Operation Cyber Child III, an undercover operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Three males, including a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested for possession of child pornography during the operation’s first phase.

Among those arrested included a 28-year-old geometry teacher at Haines City High School.

During a search of the man’s Winter Haven home, deputies claim the teacher admitted to possessing and distributing child pornography. According to reports, 50 images of child porn were allegedly found on his computer, depicting children as young as one to two years old.

The man was arrested and charged with 50 counts of possession of child pornography.

Two other search warrants were executed on Lakeland homes.

In the first, a 17-year-old male apparently admitted to viewing child porn. He was charged with seven counts of child pornography.

At the second home, police arrested a 34-year-old man for 22 counts. The man allegedly admitted to viewing child porn. According to deputies, the man has a significant criminal history with 19 previous charges.

The second phase of the operation yielded another 13 arrests for adults traveling to engage in sexual activity with underage boys and girls.

The operation was based in Polk County, but deputies received help from officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department, Orlando Police Department, North Port Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and Air Force – Office of Special Investigations.

The undercover sting concluded Monday, June 30.

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