KISSIMMEE, FL – Two Polk County residents, a 50-year-old Davenport man and a 34-year-old Winter Haven man, were among 20 men arrested during a multi-agency undercover sting operation targeting individuals attempting to meet minors for sexual activity in Osceola County.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, “Operation Cooked” was conducted September 2–5, 2026, with nine law enforcement agencies participating. The operation resulted in the arrests of 20 men ranging in age from 22 to 64.
Among those arrested was Eric Daniel Kreft, 50, of Davenport, who allegedly communicated with an undercover investigator posing as a 14-year-old girl.
According to his arrest affidavit, Kreft responded to an online advertisement posted by an undercover investigator with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on September 2. During their conversations, Kreft allegedly identified himself as 33 years old and made sexually explicit remarks to the individual he believed was a minor.
Investigators said Kreft arranged to meet the undercover investigator on September 3 and agreed to bring a red Mountain Dew.
At approximately 10:50 p.m., detectives observed Kreft arrive in a black Chevrolet Equinox at the Rebel Gas Station, located at 2294 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee.
According to the affidavit, Kreft entered the convenience store and purchased two Mountain Dew sodas. As he exited, detectives attempted to take him into custody.
Investigators reported that Kreft failed to comply with commands, resulting in a physical struggle before he was taken into custody.
During a subsequent search of his vehicle, detectives recovered a Samsung cellphone believed to have been used during the undercover communications, along with approximately five unopened condoms.
Kreft was transported to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office for questioning and subsequently charged with multiple felony offenses, including traveling to meet a minor, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, computer solicitation of a minor, and attempted sexual offenses. A supplemental affidavit also alleges resisting arrest without violence.
Another individual arrested during the operation was Leslie Augustus Anderson, 34, of Winter Haven, who investigators said communicated with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl.
According to Anderson’s arrest affidavit, he arranged to meet the individual on September 3 and allegedly agreed to bring condoms and wine. Investigators said he arrived at the predetermined meeting location in a white construction work truck shortly after midnight.
Deputies reported recovering condoms, white wine, beer, and two cellular phones from Anderson. He was taken into custody and transported to the Osceola County Jail on multiple charges related to the undercover investigation, including traveling to meet a minor, unlawful use of a communications device, computer solicitation, lewd or lascivious battery, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The Sheriff’s Office said five of the 20 suspects had young children, three were visiting the area on vacation, and five were reportedly in the United States illegally.
Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting children from online exploitation.
“These 20 individuals believed a screen granted them anonymity to target children. Instead, it led them straight to a jail cell. Our jurisdiction will remain a hostile environment for anyone seeking to harm to a child,” Blackmon said.
The operation involved assistance from several agencies, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police Department, St. Cloud Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Lake City Police Department, and Homeland Security.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Statewide Prosecutor’s Office will lead the prosecution of the cases.
Authorities are encouraging parents to remain actively involved in their children’s online activities to help prevent exploitation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Nothing further.
SOURCE: OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, ARREST AFFIDAVITS
