40 Arrested in Florida Child Sex Sting
A former PGA golfer and several teachers are among 40 people caught in a child sex sting in Florida.
Golfer Steve Thomas was one of the 40 arrested in Operation Red Cheeks but initially insisted that he had not "done anything wrong," according to The Orlando Sentinel.
The operation, which began on Jan. 8, has been described as being similar to MSNBC's "To Catch A Predator," where law enforcement officials pose as children online.
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Thomas has been charged for traveling to meet with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl after chatting online, even once typing "'younger girls turn me on" to her.
After law enforcement discovered condoms, candy, and a bottle of honey during the bust, sources say that he confessed.
Along with Thomas were teachers, a swim coach, a beekeeper and students allegedly ranging from ages 18 to 30.
In a statement, local sheriff Bob Hansell wrote, "These predators stalk the cyber community looking for children to victimize."
"This operation resulted in 40 arrests which means at a minimum, 40 children did not fall prey to a sexual deviant," Hansell continued.
"This operation should also be a warning to all parents to monitor and be involved with their child's computer activities," he added.
Eighth grade teacher Alexander Roy, 32, of Manatee Academy in Port St. Lucie was also arrested and consequently suspended on leave.
A 70-year-old retired beekeeper, Dell Rio Highsmith, was also caught in the sting and arrested after showing up for sex with a minor accompanied by wine and Viagra pills.
A 29-year-old swim coach, Bryan Woodward, and students Marvin Bell, 20, Lucas Clarke, 18, and Josean Javier Gaston, 22, were also all arrested.
All arrested face felony charges including traveling to seduce an underage girl, and using a computer to entice a legal guardian or parent to commit sex acts on an underage girl.
