Santa Claus impersonator among 19 suspects arrested in child predator sting

1 hour ago

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (Gray News) – Law enforcement in Florida apprehended 19 suspects as part of an undercover child predator operation.

Law enforcement in Florida apprehended 19 suspects as part of an undercover child predator operation.(Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

The suspects are collectively charged with more than 90 crimes. Many of the men believed they were communicating with children or their guardians.

The Polk County sheriff said the suspects include a 68-year-old local Santa Claus impersonator who allegedly told a detective posing undercover as a father that he would pay $200 to have sex with his 13-year-old daughter.

“It never ceases to amaze us how many suspects travel to have sex with who they believe are children, especially here in Polk County where we proactively investigate and arrest those who prey on children,” Sheriff Grady Judd said. “Speaking of believing, we even arrested Santa Claus during this undercover operation.”

Charges include human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor and attempted lewd or lascivious battery on a minor.

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