OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A four-day online sting operation led by the Ocala Police Department (OPD) resulted in 20 arrests of individuals accused of attempting to sexually exploit minors.

From May 21 to May 24, OPD worked alongside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Lake City Police Department, and other agencies to identify suspects engaging in explicit conversations with individuals they believed were children. Detectives posed as minors in various online chat applications to track and intercept those who planned to meet with underage individuals for sex.

Key Arrests and Charges

Among those arrested were:

  • Trevor Hedge, 56, a registered sex offender.
  • Joshua Faulkner, 36, a prominent local equine industry figure with reported access to children.

The suspects face a total of 80 charges, including:

  • 22 counts of traveling to meet a minor
  • 21 counts of soliciting a minor
  • 26 counts involving illegal use of two-way communication devices
  • Additional charges related to drug possession, fleeing law enforcement, and possession of harmful or bestiality-related materials

Nine vehicles were also seized during the operation.

Arrest Details

Suspects ranged in age from 25 to 69:

  • 6 from the City of Ocala
  • 13 from other parts of Marion County
  • 1 from outside the county

Full List of Arrested Individuals

  • Trevor Hedge – DOB: 10/1/1968
  • Joshua Faulkner – DOB: 6/6/1988
  • William Kucharenko – DOB: 8/5/1983
  • Devon Campbell – DOB: 6/24/1996
  • Travis Taylor – DOB: 7/24/1988
  • Ranza Bateman – DOB: 11/14/1955
  • Tevin Bennett – DOB: 3/9/1996
  • Harold Lopez Alaniz – DOB: 6/5/1991
  • Henrickey Francois – DOB: 2/10/2000
  • John Buckley – DOB: 10/27/1976
  • Joshua Vasquez – DOB: 2/23/2000
  • Cody Alley – DOB: 1/8/1992
  • Christopher McTiernan – DOB: 5/17/2000
  • Tyrese Noland – DOB: 1/12/2000
  • Destin Delray – DOB: 3/21/1959
  • Deivis Munoz Hernandez – DOB: 10/27/1998
  • Michael Manigault – DOB: 7/17/1987
  • Richardo Foley – DOB: 4/9/1973
  • Brandon Tuffie – DOB: 11/23/1981
  • George Davis – DOB: 7/24/1987

Statement from Law Enforcement

“Our top priority is protecting the safety and well-being of our community, especially children,” said Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who exploit the innocent are brought to justice.”

OPD expressed gratitude to all partner agencies involved and reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community.

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