Seven men arrested after traveling to have sex with minors in Polk County

POLK COUNTY, Fla. - An online sting meant to capture men who prey on young children netted seven arrests, the Polk County Sheriff's Office announced Monday.

According to the Polk County Sherriff's Office, the men engaged in explicit conversations via email, chat, text and telephone before agreeing to meet for sex at a location in Polk County.

However, not every suspect agreed to travel.

"A number of those who chatted illegally online did not agree to come to the designated location, saying Polk County was too much of a risk," Sheriff Grady Judd said in a release. "It appears our undercover investigations are deterring some from trying to have sex with children. But, predators continue to freely discuss sex with children online and these conversations are graphic. We need parents' to monitor their children's online activity continuously as the first line of defense."

The seven men arrested are listed below:

Nathan Williams
Brian Burling
Steven Anthony Mullin
Richard W. Hamilton
Michael C. Quinones
Richard D. Newell
Demetri Moraetes