This headline refers to a major undercover child predator operation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, led by Sheriff Grady Judd.
The sting targeted individuals traveling to meet minors for illegal sexual activity after communicating with undercover detectives posing as children online.
Notable Arrests & Suspect Backgrounds
- Navy Veteran & Disney Employee: Donald Paul Diem Jr., 33, a married father and Navy veteran who worked for Disney Vacation Club, was arrested after driving his vehicle to meet a decoy posing as a 14-year-old girl.
- Youth Coach: Jose Salgado, 28, an assistant youth soccer coach and pest control technician, was arrested after attempting to meet a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl.
- Other Suspects: The multi-day sting netted a total of 16 suspects ranging in age from 21 to 59, including college students, a registered sex offender, and a grandfather.
Charges Filed
The primary charges filed against the suspects included:
- Traveling to Meet a Minor for Sex (Second-degree felony)
- Attempted Lewd Battery (Third-degree felony)
- Use of a Computer/Device to Seduce or Solicit a Child
All suspects were booked into the Polk County Jail following their arrests.
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