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
Texas mom on '40 Under 40' list arrested for leaving baby on Florida beach

Texas Mom Featured in ’40 Under 40′ Arrested After Incident Involving Baby on Florida Beach

A promising figure in the Texas healthcare scene, recently recognized on a…
AI helps 'Predator Poachers' expose elementary school music teacher accused of 'sexting' teen

AI Assists in Uncovering Elementary Music Teacher’s Alleged Inappropriate Texts with Teen

An oversight organization in Long Island, New York, employed Artificial Intelligence (AI)…
Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister, citing Thatcher inspiration

Sanae Takaichi Makes History as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister, Drawing Inspiration from Margaret Thatcher

As the United Kingdom recently commemorated the centenary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth,…
Bernie-Endorsed Maine Senate Candidate's Campaign Implodes As Dems in Disarray Hits Fever Pitch

Maine Senate Race Turmoil: Bernie-Backed Candidate Faces Campaign Collapse Amid Democratic Discord

Though the Maine primary is still months away, slated for June 9,…
'NYU Communists' vow to fight capitalism with Marxist revolution at 'No Kings' rally

NYU Student Group Advocates for Marxist Change at ‘No Kings’ Rally to Challenge Capitalism

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Over the weekend, a group believed to be students…
Vance warns Hamas as Gaza peace plan's Civilian Military Cooperation Center opens

US Diplomat Vance Issues Strong Warning to Hamas Amid Launch of Gaza’s New Peace Initiative Center

Vice President JD Vance delivered a stern message to Hamas on Tuesday…
Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

Ex-NFL Star’s Tragic End Highlights Struggles with Injuries and Mental Health

Nearly two decades ago, Doug Martin made his way to Boise State…
Jasper Nathaniel Shares Harrowing Attack by Israeli Settlers

Jasper Nathaniel Recounts Disturbing Encounter with Israeli Settlers: A Firsthand Account

An American journalist recently endured a harrowing attack by Israeli settlers while…
Yeison Diaz-Gomez charged in Evanston attempted sexual assault, Chicago police arrest him related to crimes on Lunt Avenue

Evanston Attempted Assault Suspect Yeison Diaz-Gomez Arrested by Chicago Police for Lunt Avenue Crimes

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suspect has been apprehended in connection with a…
Blue Jays beat Mariners in Game 7 of ALCS, now face Dodgers in World Series

Blue Jays Triumph Over Mariners in ALCS Finale, Set to Face Dodgers in World Series Showdown

The Toronto Blue Jays triumphed over the Seattle Mariners, clinching a 4-3…
Man who planned to shoot up Atlanta's airport is arrested in a terminal following a tip, police say

Swift Police Action Thwarts Potential Atlanta Airport Shooting After Crucial Tip-Off

ATLANTA — A man was apprehended at Atlanta’s bustling airport on Monday…
No leads after veteran hit-and-run

Community Seeks Justice: No Leads in Hit-and-Run Case Involving Local Veteran

In pursuit of justice, the family of Edward Hopkins Jr. is demanding…