11 suspected Internet predators busted in Volusia County sex sting

Volusia County, Fla. — Nearly a dozen central Florida men are under arrest, accused of trying to meet a 14-year-old online, and then, in person, for sex.

The arrests are the result of a five day sting dubbed 'Operation Deviant Desire'.

The men ages 19 to 55 are all facing various felony charges after allegedly using a computer to solicit sex acts from agents, who they thought was a 14-year-old boy or girl.

Deputies said the men, from various counties, brought along items including condoms, sex toys and guns to meet the kids.

"I sat for a little while in what's called the chatter room and listened to what goes back and forth, and it makes you want to throw up," Chitwood said. "One guy, was in such a hurry to meet us, that he got a speeding ticket on this way here."

The sheriff credited the task force, made up of federal state and local agencies, for working around the clock to round up the suspects. "We are not going to tolerate people abusing our children," Chitwood said. "If we don't stand up for them, who is going to stand up for them?"

Deputies said none of the men arrested had a job that had them directly involved with children.