Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Eight in "Operation Safe Summer"

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit, recently concluded "Operation Safe Summer," leading to the arrest of eight individuals. The operation, conducted throughout July, focused on targeting adults who were engaging in inappropriate conversations with minors online.

During the operation, undercover detectives posed as teenagers on various dating sites and social media platforms. These efforts led to the apprehension of suspects who traveled to meet the assumed minors at predetermined locations.

The following individuals have been arrested as a result of the operation:

- Christopher Paugh, 43, from Bradenton

- William Henry Finken, 53, from Lutz

- Paul Huffstutler, 47, from Bradenton

- Nitin Singare, 41, from Tampa

- Oscar Muthe-Mora, 27, from Clearwater

- Clenton Pol Chan, 24, from Bradenton

- Oscar Alberto-Gonzalez, 25, from Sarasota

- Sreedhar Yadav, 54, from Temple Terrace

Law enforcement is continuing its investigation and following up on additional leads regarding other suspects who may have been involved in similar online activities.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting children from online predators and ensuring a safe environment for local youth.