Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six individuals, including one identified as an illegal alien, in an undercover operation targeting online child predators in North Florida. The sting, known as "Operation Summer Hurricane," was conducted from July 10 to 12.
“Thanks to the many law enforcement partners involved in Operation Summer Hurricane, six predators, including one illegal alien, who targeted Florida children were caught and will face prosecution,” Uthmeier said Thursday in a release. "Florida families should know that we will use every tool available to put these offenders behind bars and make our state the safest place in the nation to raise a family.”
Under Uthmeier, Operation Summer Hurricane was led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Tallahassee Regional Operations Center Violent Crime 2 Squad and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Partnering agencies across Florida included the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Tallahassee Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, the Office of Statewide Intelligence, and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Moreover, Franklin County Sheriff A.J. "Tony" Smith detailed that the sting was the first of its kind in his jurisdiction. Franklin County is located on the Florida Panhandle along the Gulf of America, roughly 90 minutes south of Tallahassee.
"Their dedication and teamwork led to the apprehension of dangerous predators who pose a threat to our community," Smith said. "We are especially grateful for the strong partnerships that made this operation possible. Together, we remain committed to protecting our communities and keeping our children safe.”
According to the release, the following were arrested on various charges, including human trafficking of a minor, solicitation of a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
- Colbey G. Adams
- Joshua Heath Lolley
- Christopher Edward Nabors
- Jose De Jesus Salazar Gomez
- William Jared Breski
- Jarvis Arteza Baker Jr.
Additionally, Gomez was indicated to be an illegal alien from Mexico after an investigation by Homeland Security Investigators (HSI). He has since been placed with a deportation detainer by HSI agents.
“Protecting Florida’s children is our highest mission. Florida families can count on us to pursue anyone who seeks to exploit a child,” Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. "I want to commend the outstanding men and women of FDLE and our partner agencies for their relentless work to take these predators off our streets. FDLE will never stop fighting for Florida’s families.”
