State police and investigators partnered in an effort named "Operation Amalgamate" - an allusion to the merging of multiple entities into a single entity - have arrested 48 people since July on child pornography charges. Local authorities announced these results of a wide-ranging sweep of 17 counties in Florida, and there may yet be more arrests.

There are a variety of ways for child pornography charges to emerge, and all are extremely serious. Sometimes investigators will perform stings on known pornographic sites, or set up their own sites to increase the likelihood of an arrest.

Regardless of how the charges arise, being accused of possessing or distributing pornographic materials of children permanently alters your reputation and can forever ruin both your personal and professional life. Child pornography charges carry severe consequences and they must be addressed carefully.

A spokesman for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement credited advances in Internet sleuthing for the success of the investigation. The rapid advancement of technology in this internet age has led to some tremendous breakthroughs, and for police it means a new arsenal of tools at their disposal to catch child pornography users.

"[These prosecutions] are important because the innocent in our society are being victimized, and that continues with the continued publication of these images and videos," said the spokesman.

According to the FDLE, child pornography is defined as "any image depicting a minor (anyone under the age of 18) engaged in sexual conduct." If the child pornography charges are proven, the 48 people accused of the crime face extensive penalties.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, "FDLE announces 48 child porn arrests in 17 counties," Linda Trischitta, Dec. 15, 2011