Florida Law Enforcement Arrests Six in North Florida Child Predator Sting

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of six men as part of Operation Summer Hurricane, a multi-agency undercover sting targeting online child predators in North Florida, including Franklin County. The operation, conducted from July 10 to 12, involved numerous law enforcement agencies such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, local sheriff's offices, and Homeland Security Investigations. Among those arrested was an undocumented immigrant, and two suspects remain at large. The operation targeted rural areas previously considered safe by predators, signaling a new approach to combating child exploitation across the state. Charges against the arrested individuals include solicitation of minors, attempted human trafficking, traveling to meet minors, and misuse of communication devices to facilitate felonies. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of collaboration and a strong presence to protect children and communities from online predators.