Five Arrested for Soliciting a Minor for Sex in Okaloosa Sting Operation

Posted on December 22, 2020 by Staff reports

A joint law enforcement sting effort targeting individuals soliciting sex with an underage girl led to five arrests during “Operation Home Alone.”

All five defendants are charged with using a computer to solicit a minor, traveling to meet a minor for sex, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

They are:

  • 21-year old Gabriel Petty of Shalimar
  • 24-year old Robert Peterson of Fort Walton Beach
  • 27-year old Teswayne Hanna of Destin
  • 26-year old Cody Jones of LaurelHill
  • 37-year old Phillip Rugg of Opp, Alabama

Jones faces an additional charge of attempted production of child pornography by asking for sexual images.

During “Operation Home Alone” between December 14-18, the five defendants solicited an undercover officer, posing as a 14-year old juvenile female, for sexual encounters via social media platforms and traveled to a predetermined location to have sex with the girl.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Crestview Police Department, State Attorney’s Office, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office took part.