JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WDNews) – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has announced additional arrests in an ongoing multi-agency undercover operation targeting online child predators.
Sheriff Donald L. Edenfield said the investigation remains active, with the JCSO Investigation Unit leading efforts to track down individuals attempting to exploit minors online.
Three men were arrested and charged:
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Daniel Joseph Hedges – use of a computer/device to solicit a minor for unlawful sexual conduct and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to further a felony.
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Angelo Demont Lawson – use of a computer/device to solicit a minor for unlawful sexual conduct and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to further a felony.
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Deashon Markeith Fields – use of a computer/device to solicit a minor for unlawful sexual conduct and unlawful use of a two-way communication device to further a felony.
Investigators said Fields continued messaging who he believed to be a minor even after earlier arrests in the operation. He later arranged a meeting in a nearby county, where he was taken into custody. Officials said additional charges are expected against him.
“Jackson County, we will work hard to continue to protect our children. No harm against our children will be tolerated under any circumstance,” Edenfield said. “Child predators: we will find you, arrest you, and you will be held accountable.”
Authorities say the multi-agency operation will continue as investigators pursue every lead to ensure those targeting children are brought to justice.
