Jacksonville sheriff: 24 arrested in undercover child sex sting operation
Share this @internewscast.com

Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that “Operation Rescue Our Children” led to several arrests, including those of a JSO civilian employee and an active duty Navy sailor stationed at Mayport.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Thursday, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters revealed the arrests of 24 individuals, among them an active duty Navy sailor and an employee of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, after a multi-agency operation focused on individuals attempting to exploit children sexually via the internet.

Waters explained that during “Operation Rescue Our Children,” undercover detectives engaged online conversations with men who allegedly solicited sexual acts with minors. The men ranged in age from 21 to 61 and represented various racial backgrounds. 


All of the arrests were made in Jacksonville with the assistance of multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Waters noted the operation will likely lead to more arrests. 

The operation was conducted between May 13 and May 18. Waters said the suspects set up a prearranged location to meet who they believed were children, and were arrested once they arrived. 

Multiple suspects were in possession of firearms or illegal narcotics, Waters added.

“These predators were arrested for a combination of sexually-motivated felony crimes that carry significant criminal penalties,” Waters said.

The men were charged with multiple sex crimes involving children, including soliciting a child using a computer to engage in sexual activity and unlawful use of a 2-way device, both felonies.

Among the 24 arrested was Greg Bethel, who was employed with JSO as a civilian supply specialist at the time of his arrest. Bethel immediately resigned from his position and is no longer a JSO employee, Waters said.

“Bethel’s arrest shocks the conscience of this agency, and JSO is pleased to no longer count Bethel as an agency employee,” Waters said.

Ray Scarboro, 21, an active duty Navy sailor at Mayport, was also arrested during the operation for traveling to meet who he thought was a 13-year-old, with the intent of engaging in sexual activity, Waters said.

Kyle Judd, a registered sex offender, was also arrested during the operation. He was arrested in 2016 and convicted of sex crimes in 2017. Waters said he traveled with the intent of engaging in sexual conduct with a 13-year-old.

Waters described the undercover sting operation as “proactive.”

“This is stuff that we know takes place online and it’s disgusting, and I wish we could do this more, but we’re gonna do it as often as possible,” the sheriff said. “These people are targeting kids, young children in our communities. Victimizing our kids, and young children in our communities, and we just can’t stand for it, we’re not gonna stand for it.”

JSO was assisted by multiple agencies, including the State Attorney’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, The Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigation and the United States Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“The success of this operation exemplifies the strong law enforcement partnerships with out local, state and federal enforcement agencies here in Northeast Florida,” Waters said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
American veterans attacked, injured while distributing aid in Gaza with US-backed group

US-backed group distributing aid in Gaza reports assault and injuries to American veterans

Two American war veterans involved with the U.S.- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian…
Antisemitic attackers violently target synagogue, Israeli restaurant in Australia

Attackers with antisemitic intent violently target synagogue and Israeli restaurant in Australia

<!–> Rise in Antisemitic Incidents in Australia A synagogue in Melbourne was…
Indianapolis street scene with police cars and crime scene tape after a mass shooting.

Two Dead and Multiple Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting Amid Large Teen Gathering

TWO people have died and several are injured after a mass shooting…
JSO: Young couple dead after apparent murder-suicide on Jacksonville's Northside

Tragic Incident on Jacksonville’s Northside: Young Couple Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide

JSO Sergeant Highfill mentioned that both individuals were approximately 19-20 years old…
Donald and Melania Trump on a White House balcony with an American flag.

Donald and Melania Trump Charm Audience with Heartwarming Balcony Appearance Amid Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

DONALD Trump and Melania have warmed hearts with their PDA-packed appearance while…
Brooks Nader's period stain steals the spotlight during wardrobe mishap at Wimbledon

Brooks Nader’s Wardrobe Blunder at Wimbledon: Period Stain Catches Attention

Brooks Nader poked fun at herself after unexpectedly getting her period during…
Legoland opens resort in Shanghai, the first in China

Legoland launches its inaugural resort in Shanghai, China

It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built…
Boss under fire after texts to pregnant employee revealed

Manager Faces Backlash After Texts to Pregnant Employee Exposed

An awkward text exchange between a pregnant employee and her boss over…
Floods turned beloved Texas camp into a nightmare. At least 23 girls remain missing

Floods Transform Cherished Texas Camp into Tragedy: 23 Girls Still Missing

In KERRVILLE, Texas, concerned parents took to social media to desperately share…
I overheard my brother fighting with his wife — should I say something?

I overheard my brother arguing with his wife — should I intervene or stay out of it?

DEAR ABBY: I inadvertently received a voicemail from my brother that captured…
Julian McMahon's 'Charmed' co-stars remembers the late actor: 'One of a kind'

Julian McMahon’s Former ‘Charmed’ Cast Members Pay Tribute: ‘Truly Unique’

The women of “Charmed” are remembering their late co-star. Julian McMahon, who…
Two girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, at Texas Christian camp found dead

Two Young Girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, Discovered Deceased at Texas Christian Camp

Two girls from Camp Mystic, who were missing, were discovered deceased during…