Polk County child sex predator sting: 7 charged, 1 on the run after undercover investigation

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Law enforcement officers have arrested seven suspects and are still searching for one more following a multi-agency undercover investigation that focused on sexual predators who target children. 

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, detectives posed as children and adults who have access to children on social media platforms, mobile apps, and online dating sites to investigate those who prey upon and travel to meet children for unlawful sexual activity.

PCSO worked with the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Hardee County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say the suspects communicated with and solicited who they thought were children or adults who had access to children online. Five suspects showed up to an undercover location in Polk County at separate times to sexually batter children, according to PCSO.