32 Arrested In Undercover Child Sex Sting In Hillsborough County

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County sheriff's detectives arrested 32 men during an undercover operation to catch those who victimize children.

In January and March, detectives worked covertly, entering online chats and, in two cases, placing fictitious ads, posing as a father soliciting his child online.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said detectives had no trouble finding men willing to take the bait.

"Unfortunately, there are devious people out there who seek to take advantage of the vulnerable; but as sheriff, I can assure you, team HCSO and I are committed to keeping our community, especially our children, safe," he said. "Those who wish to victimize others in such a shameless manner are not welcome in Hillsborough County. They will not get away with such despicable crimes."

Among those arrested was a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant. Jacob Dwayne Reid, 31, after he made contact with who he thought was a 15-year-old girl. Detectives arrested Reid at a Tampa hotel, where he was staying while on temporary duty at MacDill Air Force Base.

"There is no greater disappointment than the betrayal of a man who was sworn to protect our nation," said Chronister. "It doesn't matter who you are or what title you hold, no one is above the law. If you enter Hillsborough County and intend to take advantage of our children, you will be arrested."

Detectives also encountered Muntasir Shafiq, 36, a Lutz resident who was arrested in 2021 on multiple charges, including 30 counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor.

Now he faces more charges, including the transmission of harmful material to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communications device, said the sheriff.

"This wasn't a mistake, and this wasn't a lapse of judgment," said Chronister."This man has repeatedly tried to engage in sexual activity with children. His intentions are equally as vile and depraved as his messages to our detectives."

Two people were arrested for human trafficking for commercial sexual activity for their role in responding to the fake advertisement in which a father was peddling sex with his child.

Bobby Barnes, 58, traveled from New Port Richey to Apollo Beach to meet a minor, said the sheriff. He paid an undercover detective to have sex with a 14-year-old and was promptly taken into custody.

Michael Ardouin, 30, responded to a similar ad, Chronister said. He paid an undercover detective to have sex with a 14- and a 15-year-old. He, too, was arrested and is awaiting deportation to Haiti.

"The fact that these men were hoping to have sex with an innocent minor is beyond sickening," said Chronister. "I am so thankful it was our brave detectives on the other end of these chats and ads, ready to put an end to their repulsive acts."

Anyone who suspects someone of human trafficking or knows a victim of human trafficking should call the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.