Seasonal Santa Claus among 19 suspects arrested in child sex abuse sting, Florida officials say
By LeeAnn Huntoon
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POLK COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — A 68-year-old Lakeland man was arrested this week after allegedly offering money to have sex with a minor during an undercover operation, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.
Thomas Hicks, 68, an employee in marketing and a seasonal Santa Claus performer, was one of 19 suspects arrested in a multi-day sweep targeting individuals who prey on children for unlawful sexual activity.
Investigators said the Hicks sent social media messages to an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 13-year-old girl.
According to the report, Hicks allegedly described explicit sex acts he wished to perform on the child, assuring the detective he would “be gentle.”
Detectives said Hicks, who is reportedly married for more than 50 years, told them he regularly visits known “prostitution sites” to look for prostitutes or companions.
He was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, use of a computer to seduce a child, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Child Protector VIII,” was led by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and involved numerous law enforcement agencies.
In total, 16 suspects were charged with traveling to meet a minor for sex after communicating with undercover detectives posing as children or guardians online.
The participating agencies included the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lake City Police Department, Orlando Police Department, Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division.
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