9.15.26 Sheriff Gualtieri Discusses Results of Operation Cyber Shield

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference to discuss an investigation titled Operation Cyber Shield. Detectives arrested 15 suspects during Operation Cyber Shield, a five-day operation which sought out individuals who chat with minors or their parents online for the purpose of meeting and engaging in sexual activity with children as young as four years old. Sheriff Gualtieri stated, “This is nuts. It really is and it ruins kids’ lives. But what is even worse is when the people who view this junk, these videos of kids involved in sex, act on their urge to have sex themselves with these young children and we always say that one leads to the other and this operation is proof that that’s what happens.” To view the full news release visit: https://www.pinellassheriff.gov/Contents/ContentItems/43ecxxadzje3ks60ethn7g10w1