Manatee Deputies Log 43 Arrests in Online Sex Sting

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has concluded a weeklong undercover sting operation that resulted in 43 arrests, after detectives went online in various undercover capacities and subsequently set up meetings with the defendants at an undercover residence in Manatee County.

Operation Green Shepherd started on Monday, September 10 and ended on Monday, September 17. According to the MSO report, the defendants went to the residence believing they were meeting up with a juvenile for a sexual encounter.

The defendants were arrested on charges including Travel to Seduce, Solicit or Entice a Child to Commit Sexual Act and Use of a Computer to Seduce, Solicit or Entice a Child to Commit Sexual Act. Some of the defendants were also charged with Transmission of Materials harmful to Minors by Electronic Device or Equipment, Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, Attempted Capital Sexual Battery and Possession of Drugs. One of the subjects, Eugene Marshal, DOB 8-16-69, is a registered Sexual Predator.

The department says that the investigation is ongoing with additional arrests and charges forthcoming. FDLE, ICE, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Sarasota, Polk, Lee and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices are assisting in the investigation. See video of the operation below.