It was an initiative called "Operation Red Cheeks" by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, an internet sting that has led to 40 people being accused of a variety of web-based sexual crimes. The charges include a variety of internet sex crimes, including online solicitation of a minor. The week-long investigation had police officers pose as either minors or the parents of children in instant messaging chat rooms, ultimately arranging a contact point that allowed police to detain the suspects.

That is one of the most important things to remember about this case - the 40 Florida residents arrested in this sting are only suspects at this point. They have not been convicted of a crime, and have a right to a fair and unbiased trial. Until the accusations against them are proved to be true, the people arrested are innocent until proven guilty.

Sexually-charged crimes - especially those that are alleged to have occurred online - are very serious offenses and they should be dealt with accordingly. A criminal defense lawyer can review a case like this and check the legal powers of law enforcement, assuring they conducted a just investigation and that they followed protocol.

An experienced lawyer can support you in your effort to have your rights upheld and potentially have your case dismissed should it be found that investigators obstructed any legal boundaries before, during and after their sting.

One of the most prominent people affiliated with the case is a Senior PGA Tour golfer who played in 44 tour events.

Source: Huffington Post, "Florida Sex Sting: Pro Golfer Steve Thomas Among 40 Suspects Arrested," Jan. 18, 2012