Ocala, Fla. (WFLA) – Twenty people have been arrested after undercover surgery to seduce and capture an individual who is trying to sexually exploit a child. According to the Ocala Police Department, among those arrested, there were prominent horse trainers who train their children to train them.
From May 21 to May 24, officers carried out undercover operations where detectives posed as minors on various social apps to capture people trying to lure children to help them with sexual activity.
Working with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake City Police Department, the Ocala Police Department engaged in explicit online communications with individuals who believed they were children and travelled to meet them.
This surgery successfully led to 20 arrests. Most notably, local horse trainer Joshua Folkner, age 37, followed by Trevor Hedge, age 56, a registered sex offender.
“Our number one priority is to protect the safety and well-being of our community, especially our children,” said Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken. “We continue to work tirelessly so that those who exploit innocents are guided by justice. Our message is clear: these crimes are unacceptable and we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable citizens.”
A total of 80 charges have been filed against those arrested, including:
Soliciting minors, meeting minors, communicating harmful substances, possessing drugs and drug-related equipment, possessing firearms, and law enforcement agencies that flee.
