Marion County and state officials announced the arrest of more than 50 people in a record-breaking child predator sting. The operation, called Operation Bad Habits, involved detectives posing online as children, ranging in age from 7 to 15 years old, or as parents offering to traffic their children to suspects. The suspects included fathers, teachers, coaches, and a high school student.

Marion County Operation

The operation was led by Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, who stated that the suspects found the detectives' profiles online and solicited them. Woods said that the detectives simply joined various applications and websites, and the suspects found them.

Child Predator Sting Details

The suspects included a 31-year-old man, Ashay Shakes, who identified himself as a second-grade teacher at Fessenden Elementary School in Marion County. The operation involved detectives posing online as children, and the suspects were arrested after they solicited the detectives.

Key Facts

• Location: Marion County, Florida
• Number of Arrests: 58
• Operation Name: Operation Bad Habits
• Suspects: Fathers, teachers, coaches, and a high school student
• Current Status: The suspects are facing charges related to child predation

'These predators simply found us. They found our profiles. They solicited us. The only thing that we did is we joined whatever application, whatever website,' said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods.

Next Steps

The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects are facing charges related to child predation. The operation highlights the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat child predation and protect children from online predators.