Polk County Sheriff Announces Arrests In Child Porn Investigation

WINTER HAVEN, FL — The Polk County Sheriff announced the arrests of 12 people Tuesday in connection with a child pornography investigation.

Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media on "Operation Guardians of Innocence III" at agency headquarters.

"This investigation is still ongoing," explained Judd. "Once we serve search warrants and seize the devices that these suspects are using to download and distribute pornography, we will do a complete forensic analysis, and in all likelihood we will be adding on more charges related to the felony possession and distribution of images and videos of children being sexually battered."

Judd said four of the 12 people arrested had criminal histories involving sex offenses against children "further demonstrating there is a correlation between those who view child pornography and those who sexually abuse children."

Watch the news conference below via the Polk County Sheriff's Office:

The investigation focused on identifying and arresting those involved in the possession, promotion, and distribution of child pornography, according to the sheriff's office.

A total of 640 felony charges were announced against the suspects but additional charges were pending, the sheriff's office said.