Sheriff: 9 ‘online predators’ arrested for traveling to meet with minors in Osceola County

This browser does not support the video element.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to monitor what their kids do online.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The warning comes after an investigation into online predators.

Watch: Armed man killed in deputy-involved shooting in Osceola County, officials say

Deputies said they recently arrested nine men who traveled to meet with a minor who they thought was 13 or 14 years old.

However, the contacts turned out to be undercover deputies.

Watch: State attorney: Osceola County deputy charged in Wawa explosion that burned 75% of man’s body

The nine men arrested by deputies have been identified as:

• Geraldo Caraballo-Rodriguez

• Baldney Lasalle-Febus

• Charles Brown Jr

• Jason Shaffer

• Michael Boyette

• Felix Zapata

• Alex Hidalgo

• Devontae Mathis

• Damien Suhr

Watch: Sheriff: Osceola County deputy aided ‘childhood friend’ accused of sexual contact with minor

“Predators exist and are looking for children to exploit,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Orlando Police Department, St. Cloud Police Department and several other local agencies all took part in the investigation.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.