by TAMPA, FLORIDA — A major undercover operation led by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office resulted in 171 arrests and the rescue of a 17-year-old girl, as part of a monthslong initiative targeting child predators and human traffickers.
The sting, dubbed “Operation Unmasking Predators,” focused on identifying individuals attempting to exploit minors for sex, according to Sheriff Chad Chronister, who detailed the effort during a Thursday morning press conference.
Operation Unmasking Predators
In July, Sheriff Chronister directed investigators to target those seeking to purchase or exploit children online. The team carried out several undercover roles, posing both as buyers and as sellers of illegal sexual acts involving minors.
“There were times when we posed as a person trying to purchase sex with a child,” Chronister explained. “There were times we advertised that we had a child available for the purchase of sex.”
The operation, which extended through Halloween season, was designed to expose offenders who attempt to use the dark web and other online platforms for predatory purposes.
“The individuals who tried to hide under the concealment of the darkness had a light shined upon them,” the sheriff said.
By the Numbers
Chronister confirmed that 175 registered sexual predators living under supervised release were monitored during the operation. Each was reminded they were prohibited from participating in any Halloween activities.
“That’s 171 individuals who met the fate of an undercover detective and were placed under arrest,” Chronister said. “That’s 171 potential children whose lives could have been destroyed.”
High-Profile Arrests
Among the arrests, Robert Hess, a JROTC instructor at Chamberlain High School, was charged after allegedly agreeing to meet with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old girl. Hess allegedly offered $140 for 30 minutes of protected sex.
According to Hillsborough County Schools, Hess was terminated on October 3, 2025. He had been employed with the district since 2008 and had no prior disciplinary record.
Another suspect believed he was meeting a 15-year-old but fled when he grew suspicious.
“Detectives wisely didn’t pursue because they didn’t want to endanger the community,” Chronister said. “But they didn’t stop — they tracked him to his home and arrested him after a brief chase.”
Video footage showed the suspect’s vehicle flipping after hitting a bystander while trying to escape law enforcement.
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“This Is What Keeps Us Up at Night”
One of the most disturbing arrests involved Frank Corso, 69, who authorities allege possessed over one million pornographic images and videos of children.
“I don’t know how else to describe him — this is what movies are made of,” Chronister said.
Corso’s daughter and her four young children reportedly lived in the same home where investigators found the material.
Teen Rescued from Trafficking
The most emotional moment of the operation came when detectives rescued a 17-year-old girl who had been living in a motel with her mother and sibling.
Investigators said a suspect befriended the teen and lured her into prostitution, charging $400 per encounter and letting her keep only $40.
“He decided he was going to traffic this poor 17-year-old child,” Chronister said. “He teamed up with another man to make even more money off her.”
Undercover detectives located the teen through an online ad, scheduled a meeting, and rescued her safely. One suspect was arrested immediately, and the other was captured shortly after fleeing.
Continuing Efforts
The sheriff’s office announced it will intensify undercover operations heading into Halloween night, emphasizing the department’s ongoing commitment to protecting children in the community.
“Our pursuit of these predators will not stop,” Chronister said. “We will continue shining a light in the darkest places.”
For ongoing coverage of Florida law enforcement efforts and crime prevention updates, visit racedaylive.com.
