News Summary
Law enforcement agencies coordinated ‘Operation Rabbit Hole’ in Tallahassee, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals involved in online child exploitation. Undercover officers posed as minors, uncovering multiple offenders targeting children. This initiative underscores the critical importance of safety measures in a digital age. Law enforcement officials advocate for ongoing education and awareness to prevent exploitation and keep children safe online.
Tallahassee, Florida – A total of 16 individuals were arrested as part of “Operation Rabbit Hole,” an initiative aimed at combating online child exploitation. The operation took place from April 10 to April 12, 2025, and was coordinated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Marshals Service.
“Operation Rabbit Hole” is linked to the national Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force’s Operation Safe Online Summer (SOS) campaign. The three-day operation focused on intercepting individuals who were targeting minors for sexual exploitation. Undercover officers posed as minors in online environments and at designated meeting locations, leading to the identification and apprehension of offenders.
Throughout the operation, undercover officers engaged in more than 100 contacts with individuals who believed they were communicating with children. It was discovered that out of these interactions, 16 individuals attempted to exploit minors. Among those arrested were Mattie Goodman, 37, and her boyfriend Raymond Shiver, 35, who reportedly targeted a supposed 15-year-old girl.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the necessity of these operations to safeguard children in a digital age where social media usage is prevalent. The initiative aims to deter potential predators and to raise awareness about online child exploitation. The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies were highlighted as vital in the fight against such crimes, with particular emphasis placed on the importance of sharing information and resources among agencies.
Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department emphasized the overarching mission of enhancing child safety. The Sheriff of Leon County, Walt McNeil, echoed these sentiments by noting that the collective determination to tackle online child exploitation is a priority for law enforcement in the community. Furthermore, officials from Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement reinforced the message that predators cannot hide online and that robust collaboration among agencies is essential for successfully combating these crimes.
As society increasingly embraces digital platforms, experts note that crimes against children may rise. Studies indicate that up to 95% of abuse cases could be prevented through education and awareness campaigns. Local law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to remind parents and children to remain vigilant in reporting any suspicious online behavior.
The operation serves as a powerful reminder of the need for ongoing education about the dangers of online child exploitation, as well as the importance of a united front in prevention efforts. Law enforcement agencies remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of society and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.
All defendants in this operation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The collective goal among law enforcement and community members is to foster safer online environments for children, allowing families to engage with technology while minimizing risks associated with online exploitation.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, community leaders and law enforcement urge ongoing collaboration and awareness to effectively combat child exploitation in all its forms. Stakeholders are encouraged to remain alert and proactive in their engagements with the online world, ensuring that children can navigate these spaces safely.
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Additional Resources
- WTXL: TPD 16 Arrested for Online Child Predation
- Wikipedia: Child exploitation
- Tallahassee Democrat: Multi-Agency Sting Operation Leads to 16 Arrests
- Google Search: Operation Rabbit Hole child predation
- Tallahassee Reports: Joint Operation Leads to 16 Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internet Crimes Against Children
- WTXL: Midday Update – 16 Arrested During Operation Rabbit Hole
- Google News: Online child exploitation
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
