📸 Photos and information provided to iSkyNews.com by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
By Staff Reporter
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published April 1st, 2026
🚨 News Summary: “Operation Catch A Con” Leads to 16 Arrests
- Operation Dates: March 18 – March 21, 2026
- Agencies Involved: Osceola County ICAC, multiple local and federal partners
- Arrests: 16 men taken into custody
- Key Detail: 15 suspects traveled to meet who they believed was a minor
- Charges: Multiple felony charges related to child exploitation
- Mission: Protect children from online predators
Operation Catch A Con: 16 Arrested in Major Multi-Agency Child Predator Sting
OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL — A major multi-agency operation aimed at protecting children online has resulted in the arrest of 16 men across Central Florida, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Catch A Con,” took place from March 18 through March 21, 2026, and was led by the Osceola County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. Detectives worked alongside multiple local and federal partners, including police departments from Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and Lake City, as well as the Orange County and Polk County Sheriff’s Offices, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI.
Authorities say the operation targeted individuals attempting to exploit children online. Of the 16 arrests made, 15 suspects traveled with the intent to meet what they believed was a minor child for sexual activity. A sixteenth suspect was arrested in Hillsborough County on an outstanding warrant.
Each suspect is facing multiple felony charges, including:
- Traveling to meet or lure a child for unlawful sexual activity
- Use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony
- Harmful explicit communication to a minor
- Attempted lewd and lascivious battery (victim between ages 12–16)
- Criminal intent to seduce or coerce a minor
Officials say the success of the operation was made possible through coordinated efforts between agencies and support from the Office of Statewide Prosecutors.
Protecting Children Across Central Florida
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting children in the digital age, noting the increasing importance of monitoring online activity and tracking predators who use the internet to target minors.
The Central Florida ICAC Task Force, led by Osceola County, includes 67 partner agencies across 17 counties, all working together to identify and apprehend offenders.
“This operation highlights the importance of collaboration and proactive enforcement when it comes to protecting our children,” officials said.
📸 Photos and information provided to iSkyNews.com by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
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