More than 50 arrested in Marion County child sex predator sting operation, sheriff says
MARION COUNTY, Fla. - More than 50 people were arrested during an undercover operation targeting child sex predators in Marion County, according to the Sheriff's Office.
The six-day operation, dubbed "Operation Bad Habits," was conducted with multiple local, state and federal agencies.
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The sheriff's office held a news conference Wednesday, sharing more details about the operation.
Officials said the suspects would arrange to meet up with individuals who they thought were children, but they were actually soliciting detectives posing as children between the ages of 7 and 15.
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Fifty-eight people were arrested in the operation, according to officials. Several of them were charged with human trafficking for trying to "purchase" children for sex.
One suspect, Wyatt Bernstein, was identified as a youth football coach. Investigators said he was trying to meet up with a 15-year-old boy.
Another suspect was identified as John Goodman. Investigators said he was trying to meet up with a 7-year-old child for sex.
Investigators said another suspect, Matthew Szilagyi, tried to meet up with a 14-year-old girl at the Marion County Jail.
Matthew Szilagyi was arrested during an undercover sting operation in Marion County. (Credit: Marion County Sheriff's Office)
"We caught illegals, we caught legals, immigrants, fathers, coaches, husbands, and even a student," Wood said.
Woods was joined by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass, and Florida Highway Patrol colonel Gary Howze at the news conference.
The Source: This story was written with information released by the Marion County Sheriff's Office.