Reported Undercover Operation Leads To The Arrest Of Nearly A Dozen Men Seeking Alleged Sexual Activity With Minors

According to a report from Fox 35 Orlando, a large undercover law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of 12 men in Central Florida. 11 of the suspects are facing serious felony charges for attempt to engage in sexual relations with a minor. Another man—who reportedly drove a friend to the meeting location—is facing drug charges. Here, our Orlando sex crimes defense lawyer explains what we know about the undercover operation and discusses the charges filed.

Operation Lucky Strike: A Law Enforcement Operation Targeting Predators in Citrus County 

The law enforcement operation in question is called “Operation Lucky Strike.” It was carried out by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. The targets were cyber predators who attempted to solicit minors for sexual activity. To conduct the undercover operation, law enforcement officers posed as minors on the internet. The suspects were reportedly aware of the “child’s” age. Nonetheless, they engaged in sexually-charged conversations, including sending explicit photographs. All 11 men arrested on sex crimes allegedly traveled to meet a person that they believed was underage. When they arrived, they were arrested and taken into custody by law enforcement. As noted previously, another man who drove his friend to the meeting location is facing a drug crimes charge.

Criminal Charge: Solicitation of a Minor with a Computer or Electronic Device 

In Florida, the criminal charge of “solicitation of a minor with a computer or electronic device” is a very serious offense that falls under the broader umbrella of sex crimes. If convicted, the accused can face severe legal consequences, including a lengthy state prison sentence, large fines, and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Solicitation of a minor with a computer or electronic device is automatically considered a second-degree felony in Florida if the alleged offender is accused of traveling any distance for the purposes of attempting to engage in sexual relations with a minor. If an individual is found guilty of a second degree felony sex crime, they may face up to 15 years in state prison.

Of course, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. As felony sex crimes charges are very serious criminal offenses, it is imperative that any person accused of the offense has personalized legal representation from a top-rated Orlando, FL criminal defense lawyer. An attorney will be in the best position to review the allegations, assess the evidence, and determine the appropriate course of action.

Consult With a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Central Florida

At The Baez Law Firm, we are committed to the foundational principles of the American justice system. Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you or your family member is facing a sex crimes allegations, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer is here to help. Contact us today to arrange your fully confidential consultation. With an office in Orlando, our law firm is positioned to defend felony sex crimes charges in Orange County and all around Central Florida.

Source:

fox35orlando.com/news/florida-undercover-operation-leads-to-arrest-of-12-men-in-connection-with-alleged-sexual-activity-with-minors