ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — In a sting operation called Operation Spider Web, the Orange County Sheriff's Office went after those looking to have sex with children. They arrested 50 men who they said came to an Orange County house expecting to have sex with what they thought was a teenager they met online. Among those arrested was an Orlando youth pastor.
A spokesman for Eastland Baptist Church said that in the 50 years of operating in Orlando, the church has never had anything like this happen. In fact one church member was irate over the news. But, Michael Lee, the youth pastor from the church, was not the only community figure arrested in the sting.
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"He was not working with children. He was working with teenagers," said Pastor Michael Wards when asked about Lee's position at the church.
Some members at the church told Channel 9 reporter Renee Stoll that they were completely taken by surprise when 36-year-old Lee was arrested by Orange County Sheriff's deputies during an Internet child sex sting.
Church officials said Lee was fired as soon as they found out about the arrest on Thursday.
"I can guarantee you I can sign on the Internet any hour of the day and get a case very, very quickly," said Detective Phil Graves of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies set up the sting, posing as parents pimping out their children, or as teens themselves. They talked with the suspects online.
Some of those arrested are notable community figures as far away at Citrus and Hernando counties.
Among those arrested were Brad Shelt, a Martin County fire lieutenant. Andrew Rancourt, who Disney confirmed works as a cook at one of its parks, was arrested. Disney says he is currently on unpaid leave during the investigation. Brandon Thonen, who is a theme-park worker, was also arrested.
In one bust a man was holding a knife while detectives brought him down, they said.
The sheriff's office says nearly all of the people arrested have now bonded out.
WFTV
