The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation after receiving multiple complaints alleging illegal sexual activity at Beach and Peach Urban Park.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Authorities arrested eight men after they allegedly approached an undercover Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detective at the Southside park and solicited sexual acts, officials said.
The JSO Vice Unit began investigating reports of unlawful sexual activity at Beach and Peach Urban Park. On Oct. 1, detectives deployed an undercover officer to observe and document the alleged activity, according to the agency.
Detectives arrested all eight men during a single day. JSO said some of the suspects exposed themselves while talking with the undercover detective.
- John Aguirre, 62
- Peter Smith, 63
- George Freeman, 72
- Cedric Jones, 56
- Alejandro Brioso Martinez, 37
- Tajmaus Johnson Jr., 28
- Florentino De La Cruz, 47
- Elkin Espitia, 45
According to JSO, all eight men were charged with offering to commit lewdness. Aguirre also faces a charge of possessing a controlled substance. Martinez was additionally charged with possessing a controlled substance and using drug paraphernalia, while De La Cruz faces an additional charge of publicly exposing sexual organs.
“Jacksonville’s beautiful parks are for residents to enjoy the outdoors,” JSO said in a statement. “They are not a place for illegal or indecent acts. When people use parks to commit sexual acts, it makes the park an unsafe space for children and families. We’re proud of our parks, and we’ll do whatever we can to protect them.”