ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla — Multiple people were arrested in two major operations in St. Johns County. Those efforts include the targeting of crimes against children.

Monday – the St. Johns County Sheriff’s office held a press conference to discuss an 8-day effort involving two operations.

‘Operation Safe Passage’ targeted suspects who used the internet to prey on children.

Meanwhile ‘Operation Unified Watch’ targeted registered sex offenders who were not in compliance with statutory requirements.

“Two operations back-to-back with an emphasis on protecting our children,” St. Johns County sheriff Rob Hardwick said. “Who else is going to protect them besides law enforcement.”

Sheriff Hardwick says ‘Operation Safe Passage’ netted 17 arrests, and ‘Operation Unified Watch’ had 19 arrests with 36 additional warrants going through the system as of now.

One of the suspects caught in the middle of operation safe passage was 32-year-old Terrance Owens, a former JSO civilian employee. He’s since been fired.

Sheriff T.K. Waters said he’s glad Owens is off the street.

“I am very glad he was caught because he can’t hurt our kids,” Sheriff Waters said. “We don’t want it happening, we don’t tolerate this happening; I’m just glad he was caught.”

We’re told suspects traveled from several areas including St. Johns County, Clay County and Duval County.