Connect with us

South Florida Local News

Attorney General James Uthmeier announces six arrests in Operation Summer Hurricane as law enforcement targets online child predators across North Florida

Published

on

Tallahassee, Florida – In a decisive action aimed at protecting Florida’s children, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of six individuals as part of Operation Summer Hurricane, a coordinated undercover effort targeting online child predators across North Florida. The multi-agency operation spanned three nights and involved intensive planning, collaboration, and vigilance by law enforcement agencies dedicated to removing dangerous predators from the community.

“Thanks to the many law enforcement partners involved in Operation Summer Hurricane, six predators, including one illegal alien, who targeted Florida children were caught and will face prosecution,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “Florida families should know that we will use every tool available to put these offenders behind bars and make our state the safest place in the nation to raise a family.”

The operation marked a significant first for Franklin County. “This is the first operation of its kind in Franklin County, and I couldn’t be more proud of our law enforcement officers, special agents, and analysts whose hard work made it a success,” said Franklin County Sheriff A.J. “Tony” Smith. “Their dedication and teamwork led to the apprehension of dangerous predators who pose a threat to our community. We are especially grateful for the strong partnerships that made this operation possible. Together, we remain committed to protecting our communities and keeping our children safe.”

Read also: Kool & the Gang will bring their legendary hits to ArtsPark in Hollywood for a free Centennial Celebration concert on Saturday November 22

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to safeguarding minors. “Protecting Florida’s children is our highest mission. Florida families can count on us to pursue anyone who seeks to exploit a child,” he said. “I want to commend the outstanding men and women of FDLE and our partner agencies for their relentless work to take these predators off our streets. FDLE will never stop fighting for Florida’s families.”

Operation Summer Hurricane was carried out from July 10 to July 12, 2025, with a host of agencies working in concert. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee Regional Operations Center Violent Crime 2 Squad and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force led the operation, in collaboration with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallahassee Police Department. Federal and state partners, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, the Office of Statewide Intelligence, and the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, also played critical roles.

The arrests made during the operation reflect a wide range of criminal activity and highlight the persistent threat posed by online predators. Those apprehended include:

• Colbey G. Adams, arrested by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for direct/promote performance of a sexual act by a child, solicitation of a minor, harmful communication with a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
• Jarvis Arteza Baker Jr., arrested by FDLE on charges including attempted human trafficking of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, misuse of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and obscene communication to a minor. Additional charges were filed by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for fleeing and eluding with property damage, reckless driving, and dangerous excessive speeding.
• William Jared Breski, arrested twice—first by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on failure to register and providing false registration information, and again by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for direct/promote performance of a sexual act by a child, solicitation of a minor, harmful communication with a minor, transmission of obscene material to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
• Joshua Heath Lolley, arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on charges of traveling to meet a minor and misuse of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
• Christopher Edward Nabors, arrested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for traveling to meet a minor, misuse of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and transmission of material harmful to a minor.
• Jose De Jesus Salazar Gomez, arrested by FDLE for traveling to meet a minor and misuse of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. Investigators later determined Gomez is a verified illegal immigrant from Mexico, prompting a deportation detainer.

Currently, there are two additional arrests pending as the investigation continues. Authorities have stressed that all cases remain active and are being meticulously pursued to ensure accountability for those who exploit minors.

Read also: BSO detectives are asking the public for help in locating 29-year-old Yovam David McCook who has been reported missing from Central Broward

Law enforcement agencies involved in Operation Summer Hurricane emphasized the importance of public vigilance. They encouraged citizens to report suspicious activity and provide tips that could help protect children. Individuals who suspect child exploitation are urged to contact local law enforcement or submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Operation Summer Hurricane illustrates the breadth and intensity of efforts underway across Florida to combat online child exploitation. Through a combination of local, state, and federal resources, law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to ensure that predators are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted. The arrests made during this operation not only remove dangerous individuals from the community but also send a strong message that Florida is committed to making the safety of children a top priority.

Attorney General Uthmeier and his partners reaffirmed their dedication to continuing similar operations in the future, leveraging technology, intelligence, and collaboration to safeguard families across the state.

South Florida Local News4 hours ago

Pembroke Pines invites community members to opening reception of Kaleidoscope Shifting Perspectives featuring South Florida artists

South Florida Local News4 hours ago

Andrews Avenue asphalt improvement project postponed as Fort Lauderdale prepares for future roadway upgrades

South Florida Local News5 hours ago

City of Pompano Beach announces temporary waterway closure beneath McNab Road Bridge as major construction work enters critical phase

South Florida Local News1 day ago

Body found on Commercial Boulevard as Fort Lauderdale police investigate suspected hit-and-run

South Florida Local News2 days ago

Hammonton native and Army veteran Bart DiGuglielmo killed in Florida Walmart parking lot shooting dispute

South Florida Local News2 days ago

Fort Lauderdale Issues Precautionary Waterway Advisory After Sewer Overflow Impacts Intracoastal Waterway Area

South Florida Local News4 days ago

West Palm Beach Mayor and City Commission set maximum millage rate for 2026/2027 fiscal year budget planning

South Florida Local News4 days ago

BCPS celebrates three additional students earning 2026 National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarships for academic excellence

South Florida Local News4 days ago

Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance’s David Coddington begins leadership role as Florida Economic Development Council chair for 2026-2027

South Florida Local News4 days ago

Florida Department of Health warns residents about dangerous opioid-like 7-OH products being sold in stores across the state

South Florida Local News4 days ago

Fort Lauderdale begins Andrews Avenue Asphalt Improvement Project to improve roadway conditions in Flagler Village area

South Florida Local News4 days ago

Plantation Utilities reassures residents about drinking water safety and explains how regular testing ensures quality standards

South Florida Local News5 days ago

Florida man arrested after allegedly submitting more than $159,000 in fraudulent insurance claims

South Florida Local News5 days ago

Five BCPS non-traditional schools earn commendable ratings for academic progress and student achievement

South Florida Local News5 days ago

Pompano Beach City Commission Budget Workshop moves location to Commission Chambers for full livestream access

Categories

Trending