POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A dozen people, including a Polk County firefighter, were arrested in connection with a recent child pornography sting, the Sheriff's Office says.
- 12 arrested in Polk County child porn sting
- Deputies: Polk firefighter arrested has resigned
- Full list of people arrested
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd held a news conference Tuesday morning releasing details on "Operation Guardians of Innocence III."
The investigation focused on finding people suspected of being involved in the possession, promotion, and distribution of child porn.
A total of 640 felonies were filed against the people, with more charges pending, Judd said.
"Once we serve search warrants and seize the devices that these suspects are using... we will do a complete forensic analysis, and in all likelihood we will be adding on more charges," Judd said.
"Four of the 12 suspects we arrested have criminal histories involving sex crimes against children — further demonstrating there is a correlation between those who view child pornography and those who sexually abuse children."
The people taken into custody range in ages from 18 to 61 years old.
One of the suspects was a firefighter with Polk County Fire Rescue and resigned after he was arrest, deputies said. Others include a Lake Wales couple, a registered sex offender, and a man who used his mother's computer to download and view child pornography, deputies said.
To view the full list of those arrested and their charges, click here.