LAKELAND, FL (POLK COUNTY) - According to an online news report by ClickOrlando.com, the Polk County Sheriff's Office reported that thirteen child pornography suspects have been arrested and charged with over 2,350 criminal charges. The monthlong sting operation targeted individuals in the local community who were sharing and possessing child pornography. The Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies reported that as additional forensic searches are performed on each of the suspects' electronic devices, the suspects could face more child pornography possession criminal charges.

According to a news release distributed by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Grady Judd stated that their law enforcement agency is committed to protecting children from individuals who distribute or possess child pornography. The Sherriff said, men such as these "create a market" for these sorts of horrific pictures and videos, which perpetuate the horrible crimes of sexual abuse and rape against children and babies worldwide. He also stated that every time the photos and videos are uploaded online and shared, the affected children are victimized repeatedly. The Sherriff noted that he appreciated detectives' hard work, which was essential in finding the perpetrators and building a criminal case against them. 

The Thirteen men who were arrested include a school teacher and a Little League coach. The suspects arrested include:

  • A 43-year-old man from Davenport. He has been charged with promoting child pornography and possession of child pornography.
  • A 47-year-old man from Winter Haven has been charged with 40 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and promotion of child pornography. 
  • A 20-year-old man from Winter Haven was charged with one count of promotion of child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography.
  • A 27-year-old man from Lakeland was charged with 662 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography.
  • A 30-year-old man from Haines City was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography.
  • A 40-year-old man from Bartow was charged with 212 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.
  • A 47-year-old man from Davenport was charged with 36 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography.
  • A 28-year-old man from Polk City was charged with the promotion of child pornography, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.
  • A 47-year-old man from Lakeland was charged with 450 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography, possession of drug paraphernalia, cultivation of marijuana, possession of cocaine, and possession of a structure to manufacture drugs.
  • A 44-year-old man from Bartow was charged with 83 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography.
  • A 39-year-old man from Polk City was charged with 35 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography.
  • A 32-year-old man from Winter Haven was charged with one count of promotion of child pornography and 20 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography.
  • A Lakeland High School teacher and coach, who is currently facing 408 criminal charges stemming from his arrest last month, is now facing an additional 389 criminal charges, including Enhanced Possession of Child Pornography.

According to the news report, the criminal investigations into most of the suspects started after law enforcement received tips.

Polk County Sheriff Judd recommends that everyone should report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Sheriff Judd stated that in some of the arrests, the suspects' families or wives were aware of their illegal activities and tipped off law enforcement.