In Citrus County, Florida, a coordinated effort led to the arrest of 16 individuals as part of a covert operation aimed at apprehending cyber predators. This initiative was spearheaded by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit in conjunction with multiple law enforcement partners.

Known as Operation Boogeyman, the campaign focused on identifying and capturing cyber predators attempting to exploit minors for sexual purposes. The strategy was part of the Crimes Against Children (CAC) initiative, which aims to safeguard young people from online threats.

The operation involved collaboration with several agencies, including the Citrus County School Board Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Tavares Police Department, and Pinellas Park Police Department.

Throughout the operation, law enforcement officers took on the roles of minors on various digital platforms. The suspects engaged with these profiles, sending lewd messages and images despite being under the impression that they were communicating with children.

Authorities revealed that some suspects even went as far as planning to meet with these supposed minors in person, intending to commit illegal acts.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office reported that 16 individuals were arrested at the conclusion of Operation Boogeyman, and among them were previously convicted sex offenders who were allegedly violating conditions of their probation or parole.

“These predators knew they were targeting children and still chose to pursue
them. Operation Boogeyman’ exposed how real and dangerous these threats are in
the digital world,” said Sheriff David Vincent. “I couldn’t be prouder of the
men and women in our High Tech Crimes Unit and the partner agencies who worked
tirelessly to bring these predators to justice.”