“Operation Cyber Vigilance” Leads to the Arrest of 132 Individuals
Once again, local law enforcement have targeted those individuals alleged to be targeting minors online.
The most recent operation was a five month investigation which included numerous law enforcement agencies. Like many of these operations, law enforcement officials, posing as minor children, would converse with adults online in an attempt to arrange meetings between the adults and the “minor” child. Once the meeting was arranged and set in action, law enforcement would make an arrest.
What is interesting in these cases is that many times the successful prosecution needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the facts of each case to develop a successful defense to these very serious charges. Many times it is law enforcement that initiates the conversations with adults that would otherwise not be involved in a conversation with a minor child. Often times the conduct of law enforcement can provide a successful defense to this type of charge.
If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with a crime, contact our experienced Tampa/St. Petersburg criminal defense attorneys for a legal consultation. We will discuss your case and your options with you.