Over the course of a five-day operation, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, along with local, state and federal partners, arrested 24 men who used the internet to sexually exploit children.
These suspects proved they would meet children anywhere, from a house to gas stations. Some suspects brought condoms or drugs; others had firearms with them.
To watch an in-depth video of the operation, please click on the video below or visit JSO's YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/JaxSheriff.
The conversations began in our chatter command center. Undercover detectives from across the state are expertly trained to chat with people who may be looking to exploit children. These detectives build profiles on dating websites, chat rooms, and even popular gaming sites like Minecraft or Roblox, using altered photos of themselves to appear younger. Within minutes of their profiles being active, they start receiving inappropriate messages and photos.
Once a conversation begins, our chatters let the predator know they’re underage, but that often won’t end the conversation. When the chatter has enough evidence against the suspect, they coordinate with the command center to set up a takedown.
Detectives are staged at locations across the city, waiting for an alert from the command center that a predator is on his way to meet the child. Some detectives are undercover, posing as a child, to act as a decoy for the predator. Once the suspect arrives, our detectives immediately arrest him.
Each takedown is carefully planned and executed so the public is never in danger.
Below is a list of the 24 men arrested in this case:
- Marwan Rukab (59)
- Nathaniel Johnson (36)
- Marcus Carrero (40)
- Corey Fisher (40)
- Fisher had been chatting with detectives prior to this operation and continued chatting with multiple detectives during the operation.
- Gregory Bethel (54)
- Bethel was a JSO civilian employee at the time of his arrest. He resigned immediately after his arrest.
- Andres Eduardo Gonzalez Pena (41)
- Elydiel De Jesus Vega (32)
- Daniel Hodge (46)
- Hodge was also charged with Possession of a Control Substance (Methamphetamines).
- Cleshawn Robinson (34)
- Oscar Orlando Perozo Torbello (24)
- Torbello was in the country illegally.
- Craig Finn (51)
- Luis Maldonado (23)
- Maldonado had a gun in his car when he arrived to the takedown location.
- Freddy Meneses (43)
- Benjamin Huger (24)
- Huger was also charged with Possession of a Control Substance (Marijuana).
- Javon Simmons (25)
- Giuliano Vignutti (29)
- Kyle Judd (34)
- Judd had previously been arrested for similar crimes during JSO Operation Blue Hawk. He was convicted and served nearly two years in prison.
- Michael Wirth (33)
- Ray Scarboro (21)
- Scarboro is an active duty sailor in the Navy. He had a gun in his car when he arrived to the takedown location.
- Vincent Hurtch (61)
- Stephen Brown (36)
- Charles Cobb (59)
- Cobb traveled from Orlando to meet the child. He was planning to bring the child back to Orlando with him.
- Sean Small (39)
- Leon Sessions (37)
- Sessions had a gun in his waistband when detectives apprehended him.
Detectives continue to follow up on outstanding leads and anticipate several additional arrests.
“If you’re still outstanding, turn yourself in,” said Sheriff T.K. Waters. “If not, we’re going to hunt you down. We do not tolerate, under any circumstances, you hurting our kids. We’re always there. We’re always listening. We’re always paying attention. If you’re doing it, we’re going to catch you, and we’re going to bring you to justice.”
Suspicious activity online should be reported to JSO by calling
904.630.0500 or the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling
1.800.THE.LOST.
Parents are urged to keep these important safety reminders in mind while children are using the internet:
- Speak openly and often about online risks. Let them know they can come to you without fear of punishment.
- Remind children that "Stranger Danger" applies online too. Remind them to never share personal information with someone online. Emphasize they should never meet someone in person without your permission and supervision.
- Monitor the apps your child uses. Use parental controls and monitoring software to block inappropriate content and track activity online. Remember, just because an app appears to be safe doesn’t mean it is. Keep a close eye on how your child is interacting with others online.
- Be alert for warning signs. These warning signs include secretive behavior (especially while on their devices), sudden mood changes, receiving gifts from unknown people, or talking about new online "friends" you haven’t met.
- Educate yourself. Understand how these predators operate so you can be better equipped to spot red flags. Know how your child’s favorite games and apps work.
For more information related to this operation, please visit the
Published Media Requests page on JSO's Public Records Portal.
Additional Resources: